Forever Young

Today, on the way back from visiting Jenn and her family in Hobart, I listened to Bob Dylan. I haven't listened to his music for awhile now so it was great to listen to the songs. However, today, one song in particular seemed to keep forcing my finger to the replay button. The song, #6, Forever Young:

May God bless and keep you always,
May your wishes all come true,
May you always do for others
And let others do for you.
May you build a ladder to the stars,
And climb on every rung,
May you stay forever young,
Forever young, forever young,
May you stay forever young.

May you grow up to be righteous,
May you grow up to be true,
May you always know the truth
And see the lights surrounding you.
May you always be courageous,
Stand upright and be strong,
May you stay forever young,
Forever young, forever young,
May you stay forever young.

May your hands always be busy,
May your feet always be swift,
May you have a strong foundation
When the winds of changes shift.
May your heart always be joyful,
May your song always be sung,
May you stay forever young,
Forever young, forever young,
May you stay forever young.

Tonight, at dinner, the discussion involved this idea of people growing up. One person commented that a lot of people never really grow up. He said that they get kind of stuck in some kind of teenage rebellious limbo and never get out.

I'm not sure what Bob thought was he was singing these lyrics, but when I listen to the lyrics, it is not that kind of "young." Nor is it some kind of fountain-of-youth type of young.

For me, the song overflows with the dreams, awe, and joy of youth. It exudes possibilities and promise.

It is a song about living.

It is so easy to fall into traps... to forget to dream... to just go through the motions... to just sit around waiting for the "good life" (retirement)... to focus on presents and not presence... to long for more of the material when there never can be enough... believe me, the list goes on.

But what about the dreams of making a difference, making the world a better place?

But what about gazing up into the night sky and shouting out awe upon seeing a shooting star?

But what about the joy and zeal of creating that special fort in the woods?

This passage from Mark came to mind:

^13-16The people brought children to Jesus, hoping he might touch them. The disciples shooed them off. But Jesus was irate and let them know it: "Don't push these children away. Don't ever get between them and me. These children are at the very center of life in the kingdom. Mark this: Unless you accept God's kingdom in the simplicity of a child, you'll never get in." Then, gathering the children up in his arms, he laid his hands of blessing on them.

So maybe Bob was right on with this song.

Take care,

Todd