When I Get Older

By Mike Hall, September 29, 2015

The 737 was moving slowly
down the runway
on tax day at Denver International Airport

I had just opened a book entitled:

What should I do
With the rest of my life

When a giggling five year old pixie
Seated in row 22 shouted….

‘Mommy, when I get older I’m gonna….’

Suddenly, the roar of the
Jet engines erupted
And I was left to wonder
what she was really
going to do as she grew older

I closed my eyes and imagined
what dream had inspired her as
we lifted off for Houston

When I get older
I’m going to be a captain
like the nice man who smiled
at me as we boarded

As I get older
I’m going to be a doctor or nurse
who helps people get well

When I get older
I’m going to be a teacher
who encourages kids to believe
in themselves….and their dreams

As I get older
I’m going to find out what I do best
and use my gifts

When I get older
I’m still going to see
through the eyes of a child
and trust that anything’s possible

As I get older
I’ll continue to say
my prayers every night
and thank God for everything

When I get older
I’ll forgive my parents
and my brother
and never hold a grudge

As I get older
I will celebrate the good times….
have faith in the bad times….and praise God

for each day that I’m alive.