At times it becomes a bit comical to me. Many Spanish-speakers (especially in countries where there is little familiarity with English or few opportunities to hear English spoken) have trouble with my last name–in spelling and more so in pronunciation. Pronouncing the initial “Y” in Young is not an easy task for many native Spanish-speakers. The sound of “y” in Spanish is “ee”. The name tag I received recently as a speaker in a Biblical Studies Conference in Latin America spelled my name “Joung.” I beleive the most unusual spelling was “Chiaoung.” Regardless of spelling, the “y” sound often becomes a “j” or “ch”.
As I meet people and explain my name, conversations often turn to the meaning of my name and the frequent observation that I am not all that “young” except in name. People seem to like commenting on the disconnect between my name and my age. Perhaps that is why I appreciated the comment of one student during the Bible Conference. He had heard part of my class and observed my conversations, demeanor and attitude in relationships with others. As we shared the typical conversation, he said, “But you are young in spirit.” I thanked him and said that I hoped that was the case, because I thought it kept hope alive for all that God is doing and will do in the spread of Christianity in Latin America.
As I have thought about his comment, it occurs to me that his observation provides a pretty good description of the Christian attitude. If we are renewed day by day inwardly, even as our outward appearance and body fade, one would expect that this renewal would cause us to be young in spirit. His comment has given me a new goal: I want always to be young in spirit.