Fighting at 80s

A warning – this blog is primarily for people of my age. Others can read it but I will not be responsible for any consequences thereof.

 

I spent much of my time reading about leadership (in years gone by). A good book I read was by Bobby Clinton on leadership (The Making of a Leader by Robert Clinton). He talks about the six stages of a leader’s life, and the last stage is afterglow. I am still trying to understand how the afterglow glows. I am still revising my foundations. 

 

And if we look around at global and national leadership, we find many who think they are still glowing, though observed evidence says otherwise. Remember the emperor’s clothes story?

https://americanliterature.com/author/hans-christian-andersen/short-story/the-emperors-new-clothes

 

More on this later. But then reading an incident in the good book today raised a bit of confusion in my mind – nothing new about confusion – that is why I ramble.

 

“The camp had finally grown quiet after years of wandering when an older man stepped forward, steady and sure. He carried the calm confidence of someone who had held a promise close for a lifetime. He reminded the leader beside him of a moment long ago, when twelve scouts were sent to explore a land filled with both beauty and danger. Most returned trembling, but he had spoken with a different spirit – honest, hopeful, unwilling to let fear rewrite the story. Decades passed, deserts stretched, seasons shifted, yet he remained alive and strong. Now, at eighty‑five, he stood tall, strength still humming quietly in his bones. He pointed towards the rugged hills ahead – the ones guarded by giants and fortress walls. “Give me that land,” he said simply. “If God walks with me, I can face whatever waits there.”

 

Wanting to fight at 85, is that what I want? 

 

A friend of mine, much younger in age, once told us: “May dream is to retire at 45, buy a house in the Maldives and live at the beach.” He is only 43 now; I am waiting to see if his dream will come true. And hot and humid Maldives – I do not see the reason. (Beach I understand)

 

But then this is the dream life today. The new 1-8 of life: 1 spouse or me alone (either is okay), 2 children – as late as possible (2 only because psychologists say sibling rivalry is good for emotional growth, otherwise 1), 3 BHK house as early as possible, to be upgraded later, 4-wheeler – preferably an SUV, AMT, Electric, 5–6 figure salary (if 5 – 90Ks), 7–8 figure investments in stocks, shares and mutual funds by 45, and then retire. (No FDs).

And then do what – travel and see the world. A neighbour told my wife, “You are living the dream retirement life, travelling.” Little did they know that after each trip, you take one week to recover, your wallets are much lighter, and the travelling was not to see the world but to journey with people – which itself is confusing. But maybe if we had started at 45, it might have been different. But would that have given us the afterglow of fulfilment? I doubt it.

 

Does it mean that I want to fight at 85? The man in the story did not need to fight. He was ready to do it at 40, but others messed up and he had to wait another 45 years. He could have said, “That was mine 45 years ago, please take over and hand it over. It is your war. I waited all these years, it is due to me, and do not expect me to fight your war at my age!”

But then, even at 85, he wanted to be part of the nation-building. A desire to contribute to something bigger. But then I have lost energy at 65 (others like my friend at 45). But then there are others who really do not have energy due to physical or emotional challenges. (Not excuses like mine).

Yesterday I saw this tree and realised that even when a tree has fallen, it can still give life. Though it may not be like past years, standing tall and strong, now on the ground with a few parasites growing on it too. I am not sure if I will okay about parasites, though falling may not be in my hands! 

 

Remember what John Milton wrote 

 

“When I consider how my light is spent, 

Ere half my days, in this dark world and wide, 

And that one talent which is death to hide 

Lodged with me useless, though my soul more bent 

To serve therewith my Maker, and present 

My true account, lest he returning chide; 

“Doth God exact day-labour, light denied?” 

I fondly ask. But patience, to prevent 

That murmur, soon replies, “God doth not need 

Either man’s work or his own gifts; who best 

Bear his mild yoke, they serve him best. 

His state Is kingly. Thousands at his bidding speed 

And post o’er land and ocean without rest: 

They also serve who only stand and wait.”

 

Just standing and waiting itself all might be what is required! 

 

But then, if we look around at national leadership and political spheres, we should tell some people to stop fighting. We find septuagenarians, octogenarians and occasional nonagenarians still wanting to fight the wars. Little do they know that they have lost the afterglow, the followers are just using them for their agendas – the followers get what they want without having the pressure of position and power. The leaders insecurity and desire for power are great opportunities. The empowers who have lost their robes! I hope they will know when to give up. 

 

So, I should know which battle to fight today and tomorrow too! But still desiring to fight or just stand or lie down at 85 with some good parasites on me, if I am around!