Book Review: “Not Old, Not Young, Not Done” Christopher Ash
Sometimes I am shocked when the thought enters my mind that I am 61 years old. When you're young, people tell you that life goes by fast, but you don't really believe them. Then you get older and you know it's true. And without the proper attitude and mindset, even a Christian can get pretty depressed and gloomy about moving into the afternoon of life.
That's what this book by Christopher Ash is about. I've read other books by Ash, and have always found them profound without being complex, and always practical while also being theological. This one is no exception. Ash is writing for people who are "not old," in the sense that they are not retired and still relatively active; but people who also are "not young," in the sense that they are in the "afternoon of life" -- realizing that more life is behind them than in front of them, and needing to confront some sober realities about their stage of life.
The little vignettes at the start of each chapter felt a little gimmicky and unnecessary, but I can say that Ash spoke to my own heart on multiple occasions in the chapters that follow. There are things here I needed to hear, like stop thinking so much about getting old, and just "get on and live" (p.34); look for opportunities to pour into the lives of young people (p.109); avoid the tendency to let nostalgia turn you into a grumbler (p.123); get ready for the reality that someone is getting ready to take my place (p.134); and consider all my past choices in light of God's sovereignty -- "At every fork where you made a choice, his unseen hands has been with you." (p.163).
Ash himself was near 70 when he wrote this book, so that's what allowed him to pinpoint so many topics that folks in their 50s and 60s immediately recognize -- bodies that are slowing down; minds that are not as sharp; caring for aging parents; old friendships that were somehow lost; children who don't believe; feeling like a failure. But Ash brings Gospel hope to each of these situations, so that, in the end, growing old doesn't seem so bad. My hope is to be like the person described on p. 22 -- remaining fresh in their walk with God, always learning, and always growing.
