Imagine celebrating your birthday again as if you were 10 years old. Full of joy, enthusiastic for the coming year, doing something that you enjoy with those who make you happy.
Why, as the years pass, do so many of us stop celebrating? Come and go birthdays, maybe there's a dinner involved, a few gifts, some online well wishes. One number is moved up, and it's business as usual.
What will it really look like to celebrate our years again-to start shifting our attention from the fear of ageing, to the rich, full lives that God is calling us to as the years go by?
Why gracefully grow old? A stunning, wrinkle-free woman says, "I plan to fight every step of the way against it!" We will learn more about grace and goodness if we listen to the One who made us; not fear and resistance.
We will learn more about grace and goodness if we listen to the One who made us; not fear and resistance.
It tells us more than once in His Word that it is an honor to grow older. "A glorious crown is gray hair ..." Proverbs 16:31 CSB. The more years we live, the more perspectives we are given to learn from, and the more fresh and beautiful ways we acquire insight and perspective to see life. Let's note what a blessing it is when we see someone in their later years (or when we look in the mirror and it is us!).
And while the media leads us to believe that youth has more
importance somehow, the fact is, at every age, we are treasured by God.
Not only that, but in every season of our lives,
he gives us specific gifts to share with the world.
Paul reminds the older women of their great intent in Titus 2:3-5 CSB, that they will bless and cultivate
the hearts of the younger women and their families by living reverent lives of love, self-control, purity and kindness.
The generations to come depend
on our readiness to do so.
For physical reasons, some of us even fear getting older. Often, aging is seen as a loss of control. Our bodies may not be able to do what they once were able to do; our memories are not as sharp; we are starting to need more assistance than we used to. Our fear of the unknown may grow stronger as the years pass.
But the fact is, we
were never in charge at all!
We have relied on our Creator for every breath from
the moment we were made-whether we knew it or not.
Growing older allows us to shed more and more the
illusion of power and to rest in our loving God's promises.
If we're 9 or 90, every step of
the way, he promises to be with us:
Until your old age, I shall be the same, and I shall bear you when you turn gray. I have made you, and I will bear you; I will bear you, and I will deliver you. (CSB of Isaiah 46:4)
How do we, as we age, lean towards God, believing that every day counts, from the first to the last?
Claim His Promises-Sit down and quiz yourself about getting older with a journal and your Bible. Am I scared of aging? And if it does, why? Find clear promises in God's Word after you have registered your thoughts, which will help bring you peace and assurance.
Make healthy choices-While the human body is not meant to live forever, by making choices that bring us health and strength every day, we can still honor our Maker. For a cause, we are here at this moment. Let's not miss the possibilities to help guide and inspire those around us!
Celebrate Life Every Day-Whether you celebrate your birthday or someone you love, note that it matters every day of your life. To make it extra special, don't wait for a landmark. Look in the mirror and cherish the lines of laughter; remember how they were made.
Smile at the gray ones; God says they are magnificent. Laugh about the future; note who owns all of it.
Do you know anyone with a birthday coming up? Share this article with them by clicking on the buttons on this page for email & social media. Help them with a thoughtful card and motivational gift to make it more than "just another year," or give them a simple Birthday Ecard. Remind them that at every age, God's love and yours will be with them!
excellent article, very informative .thanks for sharing with us