Years ago, when I first heard Cat Stevens’ Father and Son, I was young, so I heard the song from an angry young man’s perspective. Though it’s the same singer voicing both parts, I identified with the son; not the father. Now, as a grandfather, I find myself siding with the old man. The song is the same, now I hear it with wisdom borne from years of painful experience.
I have much the same reaction watching movies I first saw as a kid, with a child’s point-of-view. As an adult, I notice nuances, glances, and motivations that I was blind to before. What I appreciated back then is still there, but greatly enriched by fresh discoveries. Take, for instance, Shane, one of the all-time great westerns. I became the little boy, Joey, who was in awe of Shane the gunslinger. Now I see myself in his dad and understand how he could miss noticing his wife’s attraction to this restless stranger, and marvel at Shane’s regrets, reserve, and readiness to lay down his life for this family.
I guess that’s one of the unexpected advantages of being older – being able to see and hear with new ‘cinemascopic’ eyes and stereophonic ears.
Westerns – a genre out of favour, but well-worth exploring
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Shane, True Grit (both versions), Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, High Noon, The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance, The Magnificent Seven, Slow West, North to Alaska, Rio Bravo, The Searchers…
What I’m currently reading
On the Road with Saint Augustine – James K. A. Smith (Brazos Press) We are less aware of his influence than we ought to be – the author illustrates how with references to current music, movies, and books.
Jonah and Micah – Reformed Expository Commentary – Richard D. Phillips (P & R) This is not an academic publication, but a book of sermons with searching and heartwarming application regarding our walk with God.
Post Christian – Gene Edward Veith Jr (Crossway) Our culture has become – post Christian – and the writer offers guidance for those of us who want to live cross-culturally.
Piercing Heaven – Prayers of the Puritans – Robert Elmer, Editor (Lexham Press) This is a book to read and pray one prayer at a time. Here you’ll find refreshing words to voice to the One who first inspired them.
In My Life 
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