The observation that I coined some years ago brings smiles to most everyone. They may view it in a literal context as in the case of my daughter,Christa ,who many years ago decided she must have two horses. They now, in their old age, are like a couple of elders who sit out on the front porch and “chew the fat” The conversations, however, mostly in the “loafing shed” are pretty much the same deal over pills and oats.

Another conception is that we have certain skills that allow us to be clever in more than one area. Right now I am thinking of a noted brain surgeon who entertains us at some of our brain study group meetings as a professional- level concert pianist

.Yet another, would be the thought that God has vested in us the ability to witness in more than one form. That our perhaps many gifts would be serving His Kingdom.

Actually, my most frequent context is that of one being retired and suffering the disability of being a “one-horse Charlie”. That is we have little to challenge us in new ways beyond our work when we step away from it,

The blessing is that in all cases these efforts above draw attention away from ourselves and into other opportunities, other people.

There is not strong criticism of our society when often it is considered to be a “me” generation, and directed always at someone younger than us.

My reminder is that as soon as we seek (old or young) to be defined by our appearance, the car we drive, where we live, or the exotic tastes and vacations, the most we become self-absorbed and more “me-like”. And, i t has nothing to do with age. It is a very large boat, with the Media in command..

Find the horses within you. They will take you to places you have never been, and to a larger world to which you are not accustomed. Don’t rent or borrow them. They would have to be returned.