I visited my doctor the other day and had to be put on a medication for the first time. In spite of living a healthy lifestyle my blood pressure was still a bit higher than it should be. The doctor explained that stiffening blood vessels were just part of getting older. I knew it was the natural progression of life and I didn’t resent it too much. It did make me wish, though, that I could go back to my younger, healthier, and more energetic body with the wisdom my mind and soul has now. I remembered again the old Italian saying: “You grow too soon old and too late smart.

Oh what I would tell the younger me if I had a chance, what wisdom I would love to share so he didn’t waste so much of his time on useless thoughts and negative feelings. I would tell him to quit wishing for wealth, success, and fame. Because none of those things could bring him any real joy. I would instead tell him to play more and pray more. I would tell him to spend less time worrying and more time petting his dogs. I would tell him that those times he played with his children would be the happiest memories of his life. I would tell him that it is the love in his heart that makes him rich not the weight in his wallet. I would tell him that friendship is a treasure that won’t fade or rust like material things. I would tell him to sing with all the joy in his heart even if his voice isn’t that great. I would tell him to dance like no one is watching even though all the angels in Heaven are. I would tell him each day is a new life that should be lived with thankfulness, laughter, love, growth, kindness, service, and oneness with God. I would tell him to fear nothing on this earth because He is loved by our Father in Heaven.

Most of all I would tell him that life is eternal even if these bodies aren’t. I would remind him that his soul is both ageless and forever young. And I would urge that soul to spend every second loving God, Himself, and everyone else. Because Love is Joy!

“For while we are in this tent, we groan and are burdened, because we do not wish to be unclothed but to be clothed instead with our heavenly dwelling, so that what is mortal may be swallowed up by life.” (2 Corinthians 5:4 NIV)

Joseph J. Mazzella