HARLEY

LESSON 1

When I met Harley in my 62^nd year I had less muscle and he had more pounds than if we had been introduced in, say, my 22^nd year. That earlier meeting would likely have spared his being dropped and my being “skint” several times while we were getting acquainted. And, getting Harley back on his feet also earned me some painful scoldings from a good half dozen muscle groups. Despite all this I never considered myself too old a dog to learn new tricks. However, I do admit that these “new tricks” did take the old dog a little longer than expected to learn them.

When I met Jesus in my 28^th year I had less time before me to get acquainted and more sin to conquer than if I had come to know Him in any of my previous years. Our meeting at an earlier time would have sparred me many scars, within and without; and, I would not have many of the memories I would rather be without. As great as our relationship is today, I am persuaded that my knowing Him earlier would have made my life better now, for I do believe older dogs learn much slower than puppies.

I am now in my 76^th year. Harley and I are still the best of friends, and, although we get together much less than we did when I was 62, I rehearse and cherish every lesson He taught me in these 14 years. I can say the same, and much more, of the 48 years I have known Jesus. To both of my friends, but especially to Jesus, I say, “I surely wish I had known you earlier. I am convinced that I would have been greatly benefited if I had.”

Eccl 12:1

1 Remember now thy Creator in the days of thy youth, while the evil days come not, nor the years draw nigh, when thou shalt say, I have no pleasure in them;  KJV

Ps 71:17

17 O God, You have taught me from my youth, And I still declare Your wondrous deeds.   NASU