“Growing Young” by Rich Mullins and Beaker
I’ve gone so far from my home
I’ve seen the world
And I have known
So many secrets
I wish now I did not know
‘Cause they have crept into my heart
They have left it cold and dark
And bleeding
Bleeding and falling apart
And everybody used to tell me
Big boys don’t cry
Well, I’ve been around enough to know
That that was the lie
That held back the tears
In the eyes of a thousand prodigal sons
Well, we are children no more
We have sinned and grown old
And our Father still waits
And He watches down the road
To see the crying boys
Come running back to His arms
And be growing young, nah, nah
Growing young, nah, nah, nah, nah
I’ve seen silver turn to draw dross
I’ve seen the best there ever was
And I’ll tell you, it ain’t worth what it cost
And I remember my father’s house
What I wouldn’t give right now
Just to see him
And hear him tell me that he loves me so much
And everybody used to tell me
Big boys don’t cry
Well, I’ve been around enough to know
That that was the lie
That held back the tears
In the eyes of a thousand prodigal sons
Well, we are children no more
We have sinned and grown old
And our Father still waits
And He watches down the road
To see the crying boys
Come running back to His arms
And be growing young, nah, nah
Growing young, nah, nah, nah, nah
And when I thought that I was all alone
It was your voice I heard calling me back home
And I wonder now Lord, what was it that made me wait so long
What kept you waiting for me all that time
Was your love stronger than my foolish pride
Will you take me back Lord
Take me back and let me be your child
Because I’ve been broken now, I’ve been saved
I’ve learned to cry and I’ve learned how to pray
And I’m learning, I’m learning even I can be changed
And everybody used to tell me
Big boys don’t cry
Well, I’ve been around enough to know
That that was the lie
That held back the tears
In the eyes of a thousand prodigal sons
Well, we are children no more
We have sinned and grown old
And our Father still waits
And He watches down the road
To see the crying boys
Come running back to His arms
And be growing young, nah, nah
Growing young, nah, nah, nah, nah
Dear God, I first heard this song nearly 25 years ago, and although I loved it at the time, I never knew how much it would come to mean to me. At the end of the day, we all need to have our wills broken to the point where we are willing to submit to you. And it comes easier to some that it does to others. The harder the heart, the more time it takes to break.
I have those in my life now for whom I pray this song and the sentiments of this song. Some are relatives. Some are friends. And I am in there too. You are still working on my heart and drawing it into yourself. I’m still learning to get over myself. I’m still learning to repent and pursue holiness. I’m still learning to look to you for my happiness and fulfillment.
Father, I’m willing to cry, so that’s a start. I’m willing to express my hurt and my faults. That’s a start too. The last 25 years have brought wounds and scars, but they have also brought me compassion, wisdom, love, and humility. Be glorified in me and please help those whom I love.
In Jesus’ name I pray,
Amen
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