I just love......

well there's many things on my list of things that I love. Ice Cream, a good book, old country music (cause it reminds me of riding alongside Dad in his pick-up truck), and Mom's fried okra, but something I love that I was reminded of as I was working this past tax season is.....

Old people!

That's right, I just love old people. My work day, which was scheduling people to come in and get their taxes done, involved talking to many people throughout the day. I try to be quick and get the necessary information I need and do all I can to meet their needs regarding their requested location and the convenient time for their appointment. Be quick, get it done and then move on to the next call -

except when I get a call and I know by the sound of their voice that they are a senior citizen. I slow down for them cause, I love old people and I love talking to them. Yes, I usually can tell when there is a Senior citizen on the line. I savor those calls and every moment I have connecting with them. 

Often I might even engage in a little extra conversation, if things aren't too busy. One day I recall speaking with a gentleman that had the deepest voice ever. I just knew it was wrapped in age and very likely, perhaps used singing in a quartet. After we had set his appointment I asked permission to ask him a personal question. He granted permission. I said to him, "Sir, are you a singer?" He replied, "Yes, back in the day I did alot of singing." I told him I loved his voice, so strong and low and I just knew he had to use it to make music. We ended our conversation by him telling me I would never know how much it meant to him to talk about and be reminded of those days he spent singing. He dearly loved singing, he missed it. Those calls, ever so rare, make my day. 

Then there was the anxious young man I spoke with. I believe he said he was 22 years old but he was leaving soon for boot camp and he had to get his taxes done soon. We were able to get him in a convenient time and I told him as long as he had his paperwork he would have nothing to worry about. I ended that conversation by thanking him for serving our country and I know there had to have been a thousand unknown concerns running thru this young man's mind because his voice cracked a bit as he thanked me for my words. As I hung up the phone I prayed that God would keep him safe and if he didn't have a personal relationship with the Father that someone would be drawn to him and that they would share the gospel with him. 

A last thought about old people. I guess I should confess that I look in the mirror and realize that I'm one of them myself. Any young person would verify that 65, pushing 66 is old! Yikes!! But there's a song I've heard that says it well. I love the phrase that says "with silver traces in their hair there's so much wisdom they can share." That's why I love old people. They have so much wisdom to share. 

I Just Love Old People

                             Now some folds are pre-occupied with looking young and trim

                             And I can still remember when I was just like them. 

                             But time has shown what's inside your heart is what counts

                             And not how many store-bought teeth you have inside your mouth, 

                             I just love old people yes I do

                             I just love old people how about you?

                            With silver traces in their hair, there's so much wisdom they can share

                             I no of none that can compare with old people. 

                            So when you're old and turning grey 

                            I hope that you hear someone say

                            I just love old people.