Ted Sams, a 78-year old California man got his Diploma this May. That came after over six decades when he should have graduated. Just before an important exam in 1961, he was suspended from school for screwing up somehow. He missed the exam which he had to make up for in Summer of that year. When he returned to school, he was not allowed in because he owed a book fee of $4.80. He left angry and frustrated. However, the burning desire to have his Diploma never waned. He often told his children about his experience. Finally, at an advanced age he went back to school and can now proudly describe himself as a graduate. On the day of graduation, everyone on stage hugged him and the hall stood at attention.
Caleb was forty years of age when he was listed among the spies to Canaan. Alongside Joshua, he brought a good report of the land contrary to popular negative opinion of the others. There and then God made him a promise to give him the land. Forty-five years later, Caleb recalled the experience to Joshua who had become the leader of God’s people. He asked that a particular mountain be given to him, claiming that his strength for battle had not waned. What do we make of stories like that of Ted and Caleb? It is never too late to chase our dream. We have stories of people whose lives took a turn for the best in their later years. Never forget that there is an extant promise of God, that the righteous will still bring forth fruit at old age. Perhaps you have missed the opportunity of following your dream in the past; but remember that today is another day.