A Reason To Celebrate Getting Older – And Older
“Happy birthday!” I said to one of the ladies I cared for when I was a private caregiver.
“What’s so happy about it?” Ms. Elaine countered. “I’m an old lady, getting older.”
I answered quickly (maybe too quickly) with my positive spin. “But aren’t you glad you’ve lived such a long life?”
At the time, I couldn’t empathize with Ms. Elaine’s sentiments. I was a mere spring chicken in my 40s. Now, years later, I understand.
My mirror, in its not-so-subtle way, reveals that another birthday is fast approaching. I’m sure it means well every time it nags me about applying increasing amounts of anti-wrinkle creams and making another appointment to cover my graying roots.
If I allowed myself, I could easily dread another birthday. Not just because of the physical part, but also because of the dreams I fear may no longer be possible.
Do you ever feel this way?
Remember when you were a child? How excited you felt about every birthday? You couldn’t wait to celebrate your special day with family and friends.
What if we returned to that same celebratory attitude – no matter how many candles we have on our birthday cake?
“Yeah, sure, Sheryl,” you say. “Wait until you’re looking at 90 candles.”
But what would your friend who’s dying of cancer say about another birthday? I’m sure he or she would gladly celebrate getting older, and older – and older.
I’m not trying to force a Pollyanna attitude. (Believe me, I’m also writing this column for myself.) Perhaps Psalm 25:1 (AMPC) can help us with our perspective:
Unto You, O Lord, do I bring my life.
When we pause to remember Who we’re living for – Who gives us our life – we’re able to look at ourselves (and every day God gives us) differently.
When I remember to bring my life to the Lord, I live that day differently. Each time I pray for His direction on how to use the time He gives me, I’m able to look forward to each day. I can rest in knowing He has a purpose for me which continues … and continues! So rather than mourning lost youthfulness, let’s rejoice in each day as we wait in expectation for what God has planned for us.
If you think about it, no matter how old we are, we’re going to live forever in eternity. So, we’re actually … merely spring chickens.
What do you think?
I’d love to hear your thoughts about this post. (Others might also benefit from your comment.)
- How would meditating and applying Psalm 25:1 change the way you celebrate your next birthday – and every birthday after that?
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I completely agree to the latter part of your message. I often look in the mirror and wonder where the years went.
The way the world is spiraling out of control, I’ve been focusing more and more on my eternal home. It’s going to be so wonderful and our bodies and health will be transformed. What’s not to celebrate about. We’re just passing through. Jesus has given me another day on earth to worship Him
WONDERFUL perspective, Sandra.
I too am so looking forward to heaven. But in the meantime, I will (like you) worship our Lord every day I remain on this earth.
October 20th I will be 82. I thank God every single day for the privilege of living one more day! And my husband is 83, and he cycled 42 miles today with 3,300 feet of elevation!
On December 21st, we celebrate our 60th anniversary! PTL!
Welcome to Today Can Be Different, Gloria.
Wow!! Very impressive, to both of you. And Happy early Birthday, Gloria ~
Also . . . Happy and very blessed 60th anniversary in December!!
Thank you so much for stopping by, Gloria. You and your husband are such an inspiration.
Thank you so much! I enjoy your posts very much!
That means SO much to me, Gloria. Thank you!
Please pray for me as I continue to write.
And I just now saw that you subscribed to Today Can Be Different, Gloria. Yay!!
What a beautiful response.
Thank you, Sandra! UNLESS of course, your compliment was directed to someone else. 🙂
Good morning Lady! I am just seeing this. I really am thankful for every day God blesses me with. So I can serve him more .Believe me I am facing challenges right now but He is showing me heis working things out.I.may not know what He is doing but,I am thankful for everything He has done for me.
Beautiful comment, Susan. You and I can pray for each other as trust in God’s compassion and goodness ~ and in His marvelous sovereignty!
What a beautiful response. Yes,God us truly wonderful,helping us daily even through trials and disabilities. Sweet Jesus walks with me as He does with you.
Have a blessed day.
Indeed. We serve an amazing God!