This week I saw a post by a Christian woman about aging. She showed pictures of herself in each decade, and with each photo, she shared what age was “doing to her” at that time in her life. There was nothing positive – no hope concerning God’s plan or His care. It was what she called, “just being real.” It was a rant about how awful it is to get older. It left me discouraged and feeling more depressed than any new wrinkles in my laugh lines ever could!
It has also made me think about what the blessings of aging could be, and also of what our biblical response must be. Is this just a cruel joke at end our life – that of getting old? Has God forsaken us who are over 60? No!!!
After the recent splashdown of the Artemis II capsule, I read a statement from astronaut Reid Wiseman that describes anything God does. Here’s his comment –
“The sun eclipsed behind the moon,” said Wiseman. “I turned to Victor and I said I don’t think humanity has evolved to the point of being able to comprehend what we are looking at right now, because it was otherworldly and it was amazing.”
It turned this unbeliever to the Creator! It pushed His thoughts to a powerful God. You know, as I think through the aging process, my thoughts must do the same thing. Since it is God who allowed my birth, the aging process is also in His hands and I must trust Him, and have a healthy, biblical perspective. Here’s what I’ve pondered on this week regarding getting older ~
- When I was young, I was trying to figure out what I was supposed to do and the ministry God had for me.
Now – I’m so fulfilled doing what God has called me and Dale to do! I don’t have to wonder! I can point to His Word about how He guided us, and also my prayer journal about how He has led. - When I was young, I wrestled with my stature and the lack of a 4-year college degree.
Now – The Lord has taught me over the years to accept who I am. He showed me that He had others ways to prepare me for what I would be doing. - When I was young, I struggled with having little possessions in this world.
Now – I’ve learned that the most important things in life are the eternal. I see that I truly am a rich person! - When I was young, I didn’t see how I could ever serve the Lord.
Now – I see that my time to make an impact on others for the Gospel’s sake is the work that Christ does through me. It’s all up to Him as I surrender day by day. - When I was young, I had to stay on the go all day!
Now – I am encouraged to go take a nap and go to bed early! - When I was young, married life was still a time of learning one another, and being frustrated at our differences.
Now – Being married more than 40 years gives my husband and me a seasoned love that is so deep and special because we are different and need one another’s strengths! - When I was young, I had to teach and train, hold the line and be the authority in my daughter’s lives.
Now – My relationship with my daughters is more like being with my best friends. - When I was young, I felt the pressure to look a certain way.
Now – When I dress and get ready for an event, I’m called “Cute” in the sweetest “little old lady” way. - When I was young, I wondered if I would die at an early age.
Now – Well, that didn’t happen! 😂 - When I was young, I dreaded the days when my loved ones would pass into heaven.
Now – I anticipate joining them in heaven, realizing that it’s not a great distance off! - When I was young,I wondered/feared what it would be like to be old.
Now, I realize that just as there was grace for the school years, teenage trauma, young adult transitions, early married life, parenting stresses, menopause, and the empty nest, there is grace sufficient for everything that is still in my future. God will shepherd me until the day He calls me home or comes for me in the rapture.
Even to your old age I am he, and to gray hairs I will carry you. I have made, and I will bear; I will carry and will save. Isaiah 46:4
Whatever stage of life you are in right now, you can smile at it if your God is the LORD! He will not forsake you, mistreat you, leave you without help, or forget to provide every need all the days on this earth. As an older woman, I’m saying, let’s look at the future through the lens of God’s Word, rather than through our human finite point of view. The view is definitely “otherworldly!!”
Where are you in the aging process? Does it frighten you? I pray this post will encourage you to see the blessings and embrace this season with trust in the God who made you. ❤️
What are some of the good things that you’ve discovered about aging? I’d love to hear your response.
RefreshHer 