It  was about sun screen.  White, creamy, smooth, liquid sun screen that smelled like bananas.  I wondered why they didn’t package it in a banana shaped container?  But, it did smell just like a banana and the idea was to spread it and spray it and get it all over my soon-to-be four year old grandson.  “Be sure and get his ears and face” was the last directive before we headed off to the beach.  The package said it was a 50, which in the sun screen world is pretty potent.

After many  years in the sun with oily skin and all, I’ve pretty much said, “no thanks” when offered  any fruit-scented creams, lotions or sprays.  Always thought it felt kind of good to feel the burn and then see the transformation to a mocha tan within a few days.  So, off we went to enjoy the Pacific ocean and the Oregon coast with my grand-son sporting his “50” and me, au naturel.  After all, do real macho men wear sun screen? 

“You’re awfully red” is what I heard later and thought it was no problem.  Day or two and the results will be a nice healthy tan.  “Picture of health” will replace any other commentary.   Awfully red turned into awfully itchy.  Next day I just kept my shirt on.  Also my hat. And, sun glasses. 

After yet another back  and shoulder scratching bout with my wife she questioned me about the whole sun screen thing.  Admitting my decision to “just say no”  and thinking she would be moderately sympathetic to my burned and itchy skin  her words caught me by surprise, “no more, Mr.  Macho, baby!” 

Could have sulked about that for a while, I suppose.  But, I had to admit,  she was right.  Things change, don’t they?  Can’t run as fast, jump as high or eat as much as I used to.  The eating one,  really hurts a lot.  And,  the older I get, the better I was!  At least in the physical realm. 

However,  when I think about the realities of mental, emotional and spiritual health, I have to smile.  Things are looking up!  The older I get and the less macho I become,  the closer I am to heaven.  Actually, heaven is the ultimate goal and I’m closing in!  Can’t wait to get there,  but until I do,  there is the “not yet” to deal  with.  Only God knows the days and His word says He knows the number until “not yet” becomes “now.”  When that happens, “no more,  Mr. Macho, baby!” will become, “welcome home, good and faithful servant, enter into your rest!”   Until then, I think I’ll be looking for that banana stuff.