MUST AN OLD SAP BE GULLIBLE?

The word "sap" has several definitions. A slang usage of the word means "one who is easily deceived; a dupe." We read of such in the daily newspapers. Of course, they are not called "saps" but they fall in that category. They are easily deceived. We receive constant warnings about the various "scams" that "con-men" hatch up for the deception and always find some "saps." And these warnings are usually directed toward the older generation and that's where they are generally found. We read the warnings daily and we read of the deceptions daily. These deceptions come about because old people see a chance of getting rich quickly thus enriching their usually paltry savings into something they can live out their lives enjoying. Hence categorized as "saps."

But there is also another definition for "sap". It is, "The watery fluid which circulates through a tree or plant, carrying vitality, energy, and food to all parts of the plant.' Just as blood flowing through our bodies carries vitality, energy and food to all parts of the body. This old body need not fit the first definition, "easily duped."

In the King James Version of the Bible, Psalm 92:14 says, "They shall still bring forth fruit in old age; they shall be fat and flourishing;" But in the ASV, NAB, RSV and NRS, the verse reads like this: "They shall still bring forth fruit in old age; They shall be full of sap and green:" David exalts the aged in this passage.

"They shall be full of SAP and green." "They shall bring forth fruit in old age." No need for old people to die on the vine. They can still be useful if they will. The world is full of old people and statistics tell us that there are more developing all the time. We are a voting bloc. We can make a difference in world affairs. We can paint; we can write prose and poetry; we can build things; we can be a strong incentive to the young; we can set proper guidelines to live by; we can be examples of courage; we can move mountains. Because we are "full of sap and green."

Don't wither and die and be like the "chaff that is driven by the wind." Remember, we must not be the old SAP that is "easily deceived," but stir up the old SAP that flows within you and "bring forth fruit in your old age."

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