I went to Centra PACE in Farmville on Aug. 24 for its annual Senior Prom, which is literally a prom for seniors.

Several dozens of senior citizens from around the area were there. They were singing and dancing with songs, mingling with each other and having a good time. What I found the most interesting — outside of doing “The Twist” with a lady in a wheel chair — was their boundless energy and enthusiasm.

I was reminded that we sometimes forget about the fact that age does not have to stop you from serving, living or enjoying life.

Proverbs 16:31 states “Gray hair is a crown of glory; it is gained in a righteous life.”

Job 12:12 says “Wisdom is with the aged, and understanding in length of days.”

The exact age of Zechariah when John the Baptist, his son and cousin to Jesus, was born is not given in the bible. However we do know that according to scripture he was a priest and his retirement age would have been around 50. But either way, he was no spring chicken when John the Baptist came.

According to Deuteronomy 34:7, Moses was 120 years old when he died and he had been leading the Hebrews for several years during his 80s and 90s.

My point being this: I have been reminded of two things during this recent fun-filled event — first, that you are never too old serve, never too old to contribute and never too old to make a difference in our world.

Second, that with age should come recognition of respect, honor and humility. Those who have paved the way for us through wars, economic changes, social changes and the like deserve our thanks. Whether it always worked out to our advantage today or not is inconsequential to the fact that these “seniors” gave what they had to make the world what it is today; good, bad or indifferent.

My father often says to me, “live long enough and you’ll get there too”.

His words are a stark reminder of two factors for me to consider: first, that the actions I take and many others take today, impact the future of tomorrow. It challenges me to think each day of what I am doing, why I am doing it and how I am doing it. Second, that as I grow in age, wisdom and knowledge, I may change my perspective or I may fight to protect my perspective.

I have a simple message for you to consider: You are never too old to change your perspective; you are never too old to defend your perspective; you are never too old to share your perspective and what we do today makes as much difference as what we did last year and as what we will do in the years to come.

“Snow on the roof doesn’t mean there’s not a fire in the chimney.” Let your fire burn for the Gospel.

Barry Vassar is the pastor at Fitzgerald Memorial Baptist Church. His email address is fitzgeraldmemorial@gmail.com