Wheaton College Alumni Magazine Spring 2013 | Page 37

An Old Jalopy Back on Campus

by Wallace Alcorn ’52, G.S. ’59

A year ago, as I headed for my class’ 60th, I reflected.
Like an old jalopy, I am constantly in the repair shop, but I
keep running—if only from habit. But they do a responsible
job in patching me up, and I accept the responsibility of
doing what is within my ability as an investment in longevity.
However my body is aging, my responsibility is to keep
maturing as a person.
Octogenarian. This is what they say I am. But we have
misunderstood our seniors, because what we supposed was
the leisure of old age is the industry of staying alive. The
goal is not achievement, but survival. What should puzzle us
is not why we are so often sick and disabled, but why we
should still be alive when so many are not. We are privileged
with an opportunity denied them. With this undeserved
privilege comes the obligation to live the lives we have.
I’ve been many places, but I don’t think I have arrived yet.
I’ve done many things and have had a lot of fun. I’ve even
done a little good now and then, although not nearly as
much as I could have done. I know more than I understand
and have done more than I have accomplished.
I wish I had thought more about what God wants of me much
earlier in life. It’s hard to catch up. I’ve wasted time when
I should have used it. I wish I had looked for the importance
in the m