When I am an old man I want to be a gentleman, with perfect manners, sound and articulate speech, and refined opinions founded on solid, balanced judgment.
To be revered would be well, but I'll settle for respected; people are more apt to overlook your faults, and keep their expectations of you more reasonable.
I would possess at least half the strength of my youth, both in body and in mind, and twice the faith, never staggering at the promise.
I would be as steadfast in my convictions as I was at twenty, but with a lifetime of wisdom to back up the zeal; I would be a voice of both faith and reason.
I would be mindful of the finish line ahead of me, and would be certain to possess such a rapport with my Maker as to anticipate, and not dread, what lay beyond.