Growing Young

Yesterday I had the privilege of attending a memorial service. A well loved man had passed. His family, friends, and acquaintances gathered to share one last moment together to savor the influence that he had in their lives. At one point, a few songs were played that were known to be his favorites. While these musical selections played, I was able to scan the crowd and see the different expressions on his loved ones’ faces. There were smiles and tears wrapped in hugs. For many, playing his favorite songs, I’m sure, brought back fond memories of experiences enjoyed during the “good times.”

Isn’t it wonderful how songs can wisk us away to special places? I, like you, have so many tunes that represent various moments or significant phases of my life.

May I share one?

The following lyrics are from the song Growing Young from Rich Mullins’ album The World As Best As I Remember It: Volume Two.

Several significant events happened just as this album was released in 1992. I had left everyone I knew in Illinois to live in Ft. Worth, Texas and was all alone. Ten days later, one of my childhood friends (who had recently introduced me to Rich Mullins’ music) passed away suddenly and tragically. In addition, I had come to realize that Jesus could direct my life much better than I could on my own.

Today, almost 18 years later, this song still stirs my soul and brings me to tears. Every time I hear the lyrics I am reminded that I miss my friend and long to see him again. In addition, along the journey I have traveled since, there have been amazing mountaintops and dark lonely valleys, great friends have come and gone and come back again, and my God has been faithful through it all. Every verse below tells a portion of my story.

I hope you enjoy this song as much as I have over the years…

Growing Young by Rich Mullins

I’ve gone so far from my home
I’ve seen the world and I have known
So many secrets
I wish now I did not know
‘Cause they have crept into my heart
They have left it cold and dark
And bleeding,
Bleeding and falling apart

And everybody used to tell me big boys don’t cry
Well I’ve been around enough to know that that was the lie
That held back the tears in the eyes of a thousand prodigal sons
Well we are children no more, we have sinned and grown old
And our Father still waits and He watches down the road
To see the crying boys come running back to His arms
And be growing young
Growing young

I’ve seen silver turn to dross
Seen the very best there ever was
And I’ll tell you, it ain’t worth what it costs
And I remember my father’s house
What I wouldn’t give right now
Just to see him and hear him tell me that he loves me so much

And everybody used to tell me big boys don’t cry
Well I’ve been around enough to know that that was the lie
That held back the tears in the eyes of a thousand prodigal sons
Well we are children no more, we have sinned and grown old
And our Father still waits and He watches down the road
To see the crying boys come running back to His arms

And when I thought that I was all alone
It was your voice I heard calling me back home
And I wonder now Lord
What it was that made me wait so long
And what kept You waiting for me all that time?
Was Your love stronger than my foolish pride?
Will You take me back now, take me back and let me be Your child?

‘Cause I’ve been broken now, I’ve been saved
I’ve learned to cry, and I’ve learned how to pray
And I’m learning, I’m learning even I can be changed

And everybody used to tell me big boys don’t cry
Well I’ve been around enough to know that that was the lie
That held back the tears in the eyes of a thousand prodigal sons
Well we are children no more we have sinned and grown old
And our Father still waits and He watches down the road
To see the crying boys come running back to His arms
And be growing young

(based on Matthew 19:13-14, Luke 15:11-24 )