Article June 17, 2013 Issue

You have no expiration date

Pam DeBolt

“Best before ….” We see this imprint on packages when cleaning out the refrigerator. This may actually be a welcome reminder to toss the cheese or the yogurt if it’s past the date on the carton. We appreciate the nudge not to hang on to that which is out of date or past its usefulness.

Recently, I heard someone making that reference in regard to people, jokingly saying that someone was “past his expiration date.” This should make us more alert on two points: First, how quick are we to laugh or subtly take in a thought that needs to be challenged? And second, do we, almost unconsciously, accept for ourselves or our world, mental intrusions that are just plain wrong and are counterproductive to anyone’s spiritual progress?

Countless times a day, we are told in so many subtle ways that people having reached a certain numerical number are “over the hill” and “out to pasture.” These kinds of quips may not be intentionally malicious, and they may sell greeting cards, but the deeper implication is that some people are unneeded, unwanted, unnecessary—“best before” and no longer of value. 

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