Sometimes I feel old.

I know I shouldn’t. I’m just 43 and the 40s are the new 30s, right? But sometimes, when my joints creak a little more than they should, or I remember that this year is my 25th high school reunion, I can’t help myself.

But all I need to remind me of how young I am and how young I should feel is the Trinity Hills Prom.

Trinity Hills is a Senior Assisted Living Center built near the campus of our church, Chilhowee Hills Baptist in Knoxville. Each year, the staff of Trinity Hills throws a “Senior” Prom for the residents, complete with decorations, activities and, of course, a dance. The last three years, we have had the privilege of taking photos at the prom, and I have to admit, it’s one of the highlights of our year.

Seeing the excitement on the faces of these precious ladies and gentlemen last Thursday was just incredible. They get so into the night (if you can call it that, since it usually ends before the sun goes down) and can’t wait for things to get started. It generally begins with some sort of activity (this year it was rides around the facility in classic cars), followed by a fabulous dinner (prime rib!). Then the dancing starts.

And boy, do they dance. Maybe they can’t move quite like they used to, and their steps are halting (or in the case of some, no steps at all), but that doesn’t mean they aren’t in full “boogie” mode. For the better part of two hours, they swing, sway and stomp to the music.

Every year as I snap pictures of the smiles and laughs, I am reminded how foolish I am to ever feel old. If these wonderful seniors, some of whom are a half century older than me chronologically, can display such youthful vigor, then I have no right to ever complain. They have been teaching us how to live all our lives; why should it stop now?

Here are a few highlights from the night. Enjoy.