Recently in this spot we talked a little about one’s outlook on life. Yesterday, I met Exhibit A of the “glass half-full” sort.
Only a few days into my two-month-old morning mall walk routine, Diane, who seems to know all the walkers by name and history, introduced me to Betty, an older woman strolling along at a slower pace pushing a basket cart. That day Diane stopped to visit with Betty and I barely broke stride not wanting to impose on their lady-talk. Since that day I’ve seen Betty off and on, waved and greeted across the other side, and moved on.
Last Monday midway around the “block’ I pulled up beside her and her cart –
“Good morning, Betty. I have a burning question I’ve wanted to ask.”
“Really?” she said looking a little startled and puzzled, but with a smile.
“Are you pushing that thing or is it pulling you?”
Her face relaxed and she snickered, “Probably a little of both.”
“How long have you been walking this mall?”
“I moved here about fifteen years ago and been walking it since.”
“Where did move from?”
“Atlanta.”
“Did you see Atlanta lose the Super Bowl the other night?”
“Yes I did. That was awful, wasn’t it!”
We walked on carrying on a conversation about this and that. It turns out that Betty’s niece was a member of FBC, Nashville, some fifty years ago and married Robert Denny who, at one time, was General Secretary of the Baptist World Alliance. I knew Dr. Denny only by reputation. Small world.
Betty and I have both lost our spouses. Her husband ended his long battle with depression twenty-nine years ago by taking his own life.
“Depression is tough battle and losing him was hard for me. I did all I could trying to help him for a lot of years, but there’s only so much you can do.”
Nearing the mall south entrance, she grabbed her coat in the bottom of the basket.
“Are you done?” I asked.
“Yeah, one lap is enough for a person my age.”
“Oh, you’re not old.”
“Yes I am and I’m not as healthy as I used to be.”
“Aw, how old are you?”
“95”
“You’re not 95!”
“Oh yes I am, every day of it.”
“You are remarkable at 95! You have a bright spirit, you’re friendly, you’re out here staying in shape and visiting with people. Good for you!”
“I’m doing what I can and I enjoy it.”
I helped her finish putting on her coat and resumed my walk as she and her trusted cart headed out the door toward the parking lot. My last lap was consumed thinking about this dear soul with enough zest for life even at age 95 to get up before the break of every morning, drive to the mall to get in a healthy walk. I don’t know if she is a person of faith although her countenance makes me think she is; I’ll find out in a few mornings and let you know.
We probably all hope to have a zest for life as long as we live. If the recent NPR life-outlook guest/guru was correct and the scientific research she referenced is accurate, a glass half-full outlook is something we must practice along the way, ahead of the fourth quarter. For some it will come easier than for others.
People like Betty are an inspiration to me. Perseverance is a word that comes to mind; grit is another. With all she’s been through for as long as she’s lived, I can’t help admire her and marvel at the sparkle still in her eyes.
Here’s an old hymn in the Perseverance section of the Celebrating Grace Hymnal.
What a fellowship, what a joy divine,
leaning on the everlasting arms;
what a blessedness, what a peace is mine,
leaning on the everlasting arms.
Oh, how sweet to walk in this pilgrim way,
leaning on the everlasting arms;
oh, how bright the path grows from day to day,
leaning on the everlasting arms;
What have I to dread, what have I to fear,
leaning on the everlasting arms?
I have blessed peach with my Lord so near,
leaning on the everlasting arms;
[Ok, sing the refrain with me…with parts and echoes]
Leaning, leaning, safe and secure from all alarms;
leaning, leaning, leaning on the everlasting arms.
Words – Elisha Hoffman, 1887
Sunday, the Brentwood United Methodists sang a bit of that hymn like a bunch of rowdy Baptists. Gregg, their Baptist-trained organist turned that instrument inside out sounding like a single-stanza revival meetin’. It was great! Upon completion and en route to the kneeling rails for the morning prayer, the Liturgist (also former Baptist) remarked “something tells me that’s not the first time y’all have sung that hymn!” He was right and we all laughed in assent.
It appears Betty is sweetly walking in this pilgrim way; observing her encourages me to do the same. 95? Holy smoke!
- Mark