ru·mi·na·tions: Latin ruminatus, past participle of ruminari to chew the cud, muse upon, from rumin-, rumen rumen; perhaps akin to Sanskrit romantha act of chewing the cud

I woke up this morning with a thought . . . I’ve become “old.”

I don’t think of myself as old. The person in the mirror who looks back at me every morning is familiar. But, the mirror in my mind sure does reflect a different person than he. My body tells me it is no longer 24 years old; my clothing choices tell me I’m definitely tainted with hints of the 70’s; even my vocabulary betrays me. Most shocking of all is what goes on in my head. I know I’m not young any more when I take stock of the contents and activities that I find there!

I think . . . differently.

How did that happen?

I realized that I’ve accumulated “wisdom.” That stuff that comes from making lots of mistakes for long periods of time and finally learning from them. I can see what younger folks can’t. It’s obvious; but they can’t see it. I actually know how to respond when someone else younger has no clue. Interesting.

But, something else has also happened. I can pinpoint the broad timeframe, I just can’t tell you the day and hour. I didn’t feel it happen and I only have realized it well after the fact. (how is that possible?)

I recently read that I needed to “begin to understand the incredible greatness of his power for us who believe him (he was talking about Jesus). This is the same mighty power that raised Christ from the dead and seated him in the place of honor at God’s right hand.”

The same fellow said that I “have the power to understand, as all God’s people should, how wide, how long, how high, and how deep his (Jesus’) love really is.” He even said that if I experience just some aspect this love that I “will be filled with the fullness of life and power that comes from God.”

That is what has changed my brain! It has made me “old,” not physically (I’m doing a good enough job of that on my own!), but mentally and emotionally. It has given me “wisdom” that is far beyond my ability to have. Though a Christian for many moons, I’ve only recently, within the last 7 years, become a Christ-follower. The two are not necessarily the same thing, especially for me.

God has transformed me into a new person by changing the way I think. Again I say, interesting . . .