I Wish I Was 18 Again by K P Yohannan

Some years ago, I had the opportunity to watch this man on television. Of course, you know, he's a mega movie star, George Burns. Of course, you know, when I say that name, maybe some of you people with gray hair like me, the older folks, maybe you remember him.

And I think he's the one who played in that movie, Oh God. Somehow I liked him. You know, he had this round Gandhi glass, and he had this long lit cigar in his hand, and he would talk and sing, and in between, you know, he'd take a puff and all that.

Somehow I liked him. Maybe I liked him because he kind of looked a little like Mahatma Gandhiji. And of course, you know, I have huge respect for Gandhiji.

But something touched me about George Burns. That is, one song that he sang often, especially when he goes off on his program, usually. And the lyrics went something like this.

No, no, I'm not going to sing, but it's got to fascinate the words. He would say, I wish I was 18 again. And I liked that song.

Of course, you know, the story is, you know, the journey he made and all these different things, you know, and of course, you know, some of you know the song. Maybe you can, as a matter of fact, I think you can go to YouTube and listen to that. I wish I was 18 again, George Burns.

But I think about this. It was in 1966. I was barely 17 when Jesus called me, and he spoke to my heart about giving my life to serve him.

And I left my home and traveled 2,000 miles to North India with Operation Mobilization and was there for several years. You know, the strange thing, it's just like it happened yesterday. And today, I'm 60.

Now I told you how old I am. But here's the thing. I don't know what happened to time.

How did it happen just like a second? I was 17. Now I'm 60. Time went by so fast.

And every time I think about, you know, that song or some incident like this that reminds me, like going to the airport and pull out my passport or ID, driver's license for the guy to make sure that I'm the right person. Again, I see my date of birth. And it reminds me a few more years.

It's all over. So, my friend, you know, the impression we try to make on others and the approval and honor from others and the money we try to accumulate and the security and all the stuff that we do, thinking that this will all bring some meaning to life. Hey, listen.

Please listen to me. 100 years from now, nothing really matters. You don't believe in it? Look at your driver's license and add 100 years to your present age.

You'll be surprised. So, every morning when you wake up, make a decision, Lord, dear Jesus, I want to make this day count for you and for your honor, for your glory. And you do that by being kind and gracious and helpful to others, saying thank you or saying kind words to people who need an encouragement or help you because we live for God by living for others around us, especially those in need.