Recently a buddy, (Jack Parker), sent me a photo of himself and his new baby, (his dog). He is now 93 years old. His wife passed away several years ago from Alzheimer’s and he has been a bachelor ever since. So, the other day he went down to the DMV to take care of some business and as usual, it was packed. He took a seat at a table and across from him was a lady whom he described as a very young and pretty lady. He engaged in talking with her, and they hit it off right away. The DMV lady called his name, and he quickly gave her one of his business cards for his golf vacation business, (yes, he still owns and manages a business) before going to the counter.
So, a couple of days later she called and said, “I assume since you gave me a business card that you wanted me to call you”. He told her that he had hoped that would be the case and was happy she called. He then asked her to have brunch with him sometime. She said she would be happy to do so, and he replied, “Fine I’ll pick you up in 15 minutes and we can go to Denny’s”. She accepted and one thing led to another, and she has now become his girlfriend and they have been having a blast for the past three years or so. Then he told me that it was all good, but he was somewhat embarrassed because of their age difference and her being so young. I couldn’t bear it any longer as my curiosity got me and I asked, “Well just how old is she Jack?” He said, “Oh she is very young, she’s only 87…”
I had a good laugh at that one and then he told me he was on the way to play some golf with some friends. I asked what his handicap was these days expecting that perhaps he shot in the high 90s. He said he shot in the ’70s. I knew he was an excellent golfer in his youth, but that is incredible, and I was shocked. I said, “So you are 93 years old, and you shoot in the ’70s? That is phenomenal”. He said, “It is a little higher than I would like but I’m slipping some, must be getting old”. LOL
So, Jack and I used to volunteer and worked together for the Bill Glass Behind the Walls prison ministry. He was a character then and he is just as interesting now. He is very active in Cornerstone church with Pastor Hagee as the pastor and one of his good friends.
Jack got off track some in his misspent youth, but started following Jesus and turned his life around and what a good life God has blessed him with since he made that decision. He is very healthy and attributes it to working out daily, lots of golf, and clean living. He told me that he has no ailments worth mentioning and is happy as a lark. I was very inspired talking with him. I have had some bad thoughts lately about getting old, especially with my eyes failing, a badly torn rotator cuff, and arthritic pain seemingly everywhere, but nothing seems to phase him or slow him down at all. He exudes positive energy.
Jack Parker is the example I want to follow. We should all take some pages out of his book. Live life to its fullest – Every day is a gift. Live, love, and laugh. And it is no small surprise that he loves his Lord with all his heart as number one in his life.
Jeremiah 29:11
For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.