So, today I’m having lunch with a few folks including this guy I just met who happens to be in his senior year of college. We were chatting about several topics including baseball, ministry, job-hunting, etc. He mentioned that his dad was a pastor. Before I could catch myself I asked the question, “Is he still pastoring?”

Here’s what’s funny about that question, until that point in the conversation, I was viewing this guy as my peer. I asked the question because I just assumed this guy’s dad must be getting close to retirement. I was wondering whether or not he was still in the ministry or if, like my dad, he was retired and spending a lot of time on the golf course.

As soon as the question slipped through my lips, the reality finally hit me–this sharp guy who is soon to be graduating and getting married and has the whole world in front of him is young enough…to be my child. He’s just a punk kid. His “close to retirement” dad is my age.

I don’t know what happened, but sometime between putting on my last pair of parachute pants and today’s lunch, I became the old guy.

Today’s lunch was just another harsh reminder that life here on earth is brief. If we’re going to make our lives count, we better figure out how to begin today. Secondly, we need to continue to raise up sharp, “punk kids” and equip them to lead. Instead of telling them where to go, we better listen and learn and empower them to reach the next generation.

For what it’s worth, I guess it’s good that I already know how to play golf. It makes the transition to old guy a lot easier. I’m just praying The Buckle comes out with a line of hip golf attire before too long.