Still Ticking

Still Ticking

Those who control their tongue will have a long life; opening your mouth can ruin everything. Proverbs 13:3

Gene was ninety-four when he entered the nursing home. He was a quiet and calm man who was more likely to observe others than to interact with them. On his first day there, I sat down to talk with him.

“How do you feel?” I asked.

“I feel pretty good for ninety-four,” he said.

“So what’s the secret to living this long and still feeling good?”

“I guess the good Lord wanted me to live this long; otherwise, I don’t know why. I’m ready anytime he calls me home.”

Our conversation moved to questions about a living will and whether he wanted the staff to perform CPR if his heart stopped.

“I don’t see the need,” he said. “If the good Lord wants it to keep ticking, it will keep ticking.”

Years later, it was still ticking. I stopped by the nursing home one day for a special celebration.

The nurses referred to Gene as Rip Van Winkle because he slept a lot. But he didn’t mind the nickname; when they said it, he just grinned. I watched the nurses fuss over him, getting him a fork and a napkin while he sat back and took it all in. He had a gentle spirit and never complained about anything. Medically, he was as healthy as they come; the only thing I’d ever prescribed for him was a daily multivitamin.

The nurses began to sing and held out a cake for Gene to blow out the candles—he was celebrating his one hundred and fourth birthday. He’d been in the nursing home for ten years and now was officially the oldest patient I’d ever cared for.

The party that day was just like Gene’s life, all calm and quiet, nothing loud or flashy. The nurses handed Gene a plate with birthday cake and ice cream. He took a bite of the cake and smiled at us with a toothless grin.

When I think of today’s verse, I think of Gene. Perhaps we’re all born with a limited number of words, and when we use them up, we’re done. But if we spend them as wisely as Gene did, we’ll live a long and happy life as well.

TODAY’S RX

Speak carefully. What you say matters.

Give me the wisdom to know when to remain quiet and when to speak, Lord. Guard my tongue, and help me to speak words of life and encouragement to those I interact with today.