I love stupid commercials. That may sound strange but there’s just something about a stupid commercial that gives me hours of entertainment and enjoyment. One of my current favorites is the one that shows a pleasant-looking man in his late 40s and he’s looking all down-trodden and discouraged. Then the announcer says something like, “Are you unable to play as many rounds of golf as you did in your early 20s? Are you no longer able to dance the night away like you did in college? Are you not as ‘passionate’ toward the one you love? Maybe you just have low testosterone.” Uh, yeah. I guess that’s a possibility. But maybe you’re just old. Why has no one given that a thought? Maybe you have aches and pains from several rounds of golf because you forgot to apply IcyHot to your old arthritic leg. Maybe you don’t dance the night away like you did in college because you’re not in college anymore. You’re a grown-up with a family and a real job and a mortgage and a dog who has to be taken to the vet early on Saturday morning.
I look at the man in the commercial and there are several things I want to say to him. That guy in his early 20s may be able to walk faster or run faster than you. But there’s a wisdom that was supposed to come with that gray around your temples. The young guy ought to be able to ask you questions about life and trust that your experiences have not been without purpose. I’m all for staying in shape as you get older, but if you’re in your late 40s you should be able to accomplish more in life than just out-running a 20-year-old on the basketball court. Shoot for something higher than that.
I learn a lot every time I watch that commercial. It’s the same thing I learn from the commercials for women’s anti-aging serum. The culture wants us to invest our time and money trying desperately to re-capture youth. But that’s a tragic step in the wrong direction. I want to live a life of joy and purpose. A life that the young folks ,with their flawless wrinkle-free faces, can believe in ... and look forward to.
I’m all for a middle-aged man who can dance. I liberally apply face cream to my face twice a day. But I don’t grieve for the young person I once was or the young man I married 23 years ago. We’ve both changed. Many of you will remember a popular saying from years ago, “You’re not getting older. You’re getting better.” But that’s not true. You ARE getting older. Look in the mirror and you’ll see it. No matter who you are or how much you fight it, you’re getting older. But despite the natural process of aging, there’s one part of the saying that can be true. Growing older can make you better rather than bitter. Your choice.
For more information about Lisa Smartt, visit her website, lisasmartt.com.

Published in The Messenger 9.28.11