Stay Sharp  

“When you come, bring the cloak that I left with Carpus at Troas, also the books, and above all the parchments.” 2 Timothy 4:13 ESV

As we age we tend to not be as sharp as we once were. This occurs both physically and mentally. Physically it is best to stay active as best as you are able and mentally the same holds true. Our learning ability may slow down, but we are still capable of learning new things. Keeping our minds sharp by reading, playing brain teaser games (there are plenty on your smartphone), and engaging in deep conversations help keep our minds alert adding to our quality of life.

Keeping our minds sharp and focused is particularly important as we grow older and so is applying some of the above to help us fill our souls with the things of God. The apostle Paul in his concluding thoughts to Timothy in his letter requested he come to see him soon. Both Paul and Timothy knew that Paul’s days may be short. Paul requested a few things. He asked Timothy to bring Mark along with him, and to stop by Troas to pick up Paul’s cloak that he left there. Winter was settling in soon and it would provide much needed comfort. But most importantly Paul instructed Timothy to bring ‘the books, and above all the parchments.’

The books were papyrus scrolls of the Old Testament, and the parchments were skins of vellum used for smaller documents, Paul’s personal copies of the Scriptures. Here is a man up in age who had already confided to Timothy ‘the time of my departure has come.’ (2Tim.4:6 evs) Why would he want these writings in his present circumstances? Paul wasn’t finished yet. He wanted to stay sharp right up to the end of his days and have his soul filled and refreshed. This is a lesson for all of us whatever our age to continue learning from the Word of God. There is nothing more important. Let us stay sharp!