The Office of SS

After much cajoling, prodding and urging from my wife, she finally put her foot down and I knew the jig was up. At her request and against all notions and principles of self-sufficiency that I hold near and dear…I found myself standing in line with all of the others waiting for their government handout. It was a strange feeling standing there in front of the S.S. office (a brand new brick building that would be more appropriate for some gigantic international corporation). Somehow it made me realize that I was at the end of an era…my era. I was rapidly approaching the 65th anniversary of my birth. Looking around I became acutely aware of the fact that I was the only one with gray hair. I had imagined that this would be a group of seniors sporting wheel chairs and walkers…but no…this looked more like the Walmart crowd. A young man holding his pants up with one hand while smoking a cigarette with the other, a girl with piercings through every part of her face except her ears, a guy(I think) with earrings, several women with small children all waited in line. Not a one appeared to have missed any meals, myself included. Where did all these people come from? Did they camp-out here last night? It was almost 9:00 AM…shouldn’t they be at work?

Then the doors were opened and they all filed in like cattle, took a number and remained in a holding pen until the number was called. They waited patiently for the next window to open and requested their wishes be granted…much like in the Wizard of Oz.

I was a bit more skeptical about such wishes and “entitlements”…as I had seen the movie. I had peeked behind the curtain; and I knew it was a trick. Besides, I heard rumors from a credible source that the Wizard is bankrupt. Nevertheless, I had my wife’s instructions and a note pinned to my shirt…that read…Medicare part A, part B, etc. etc. When my turn came, I put on my best polite face, the one with tongue in cheek. I listened and learned that the new 65 is 66. I filled out the application, answered the questions and chalked up the morning to being initiated into my years of retirement, rest and relaxation…or, as a friend put it, “circling the drain” years.

Thank you, Lord Jesus

Without You I cannot proceed/
In a world poisoned with greed/
I hold money with some disdain/
But look to You as I circle the drain.

Amen