We never expect bad things to happen. We know they do, but tend to think they won’t happen to us. I didn’t expect my first pregnancy to end in a miscarriage. I didn’t expect my husband to have a near-fatal chainsaw accident or me to fall down the stairs. Or marital problems, or the financial difficulties that caused us to lose our first home. But they happened.
No, we rarely expect such adverse things to happen. Though we know they do, every day. But to us? That seems impossible.
I’m having health problems again, this time with my pelvic floor. Party age-related and partly, no doubt, caused by the several pelvic surgeries I’ve had. This has led to numerous doctor appointments and tests. Both the specialist I saw yesterday and the surgeon I’ve seen are hopeful that my difficulties can be resolved with rehabilitation/therapy.
Thankfully, my problem doesn’t seem to be too serious, but I would appreciate your prayers! If the therapy doesn’t work, I may have to have surgery.
Old Age Fun
Oh yes, Hubby and I are beginning to experience the “fun” of old age. There really are a lot of great things about getting older. In retirement, we’re freer to do what we want, when we want. Sure, we still have chores to do. But if we feel like having a “pajama day,” we can. And we have more time to spend with friends, pursue hobbies, try new things, or chase secret dreams.
Still, aging has its downsides. Things get harder to do. Hubby often comments on our walks around town that the hills are getting higher, and I readily agree. Although we both know that hills don’t grow. It’s just that we’re growing older.
I look in the mirror and wonder how that old woman got into my house. I’ve even noticed that I don’t hear as well as I used to. I hope I won’t be one of those old women who goes around saying, “Eh, what’s that?” How terrible!
We’re approaching 70, and fortunately we’re still in pretty good health overall, if you don’t count my osteoporosis and high blood pressure. And now my pelvic floor problems and the fun of that.
My dad used to always say, “Old age is not for wimps.” I’m starting to see what he meant.
Still, I find it helpful to remember that even bad things can work for our good. Not that we should hope for trouble. It’s wiser to hope that everything will go well. But recognizing that bad things can happen to us is, in its own way, a form of protection and preparation. It can help us face them with a ready mindset and, to one degree, a prepared heart.
These health issues have not made things easy. It’s made everyday things more difficult, and I’ve had a hard time keeping up. But through it all, I’ve been thankful for God’s faithful promises. Isn’t it wonderful that we can hold on to them, no matter what comes our way?
God’s promises for life’s difficult situations:
- Difficulties and negative changes come, but God gives His peace.
“I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” -John 16
- Worrying won’t stop bad things from happening, but God knows about them.
“Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.” – Matthew 6
- Even bad things can help us learn and grow.
“Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.” James 1:2-4
- God helps us face them fearlessly and with courage.
“He is not afraid of bad news; his heart is firm, trusting in the Lord.” – Psalm 112:17
- God is with us through all of them.
“It is the Lord who goes before you. He will be with you; he will not leave you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed.” – Deuteronomy 31:8
- God promises that trials won’t last forever.
“No trial has overtaken you that is not faced by others. And God is faithful: He will not let you be tried beyond what you are able to bear, but with the trial will also provide a way out so that you may be able to endure it.” – 1 Corinthians 10:13 NET
So in the midst of our trials and difficulties, let’s always remember to give all our worries and cares to God, because He really does care about us!
I have been young, and now am old, yet I have not seen the righteous forsaken or his children begging for bread. He is ever lending generously, and his children become a blessing.
Psalm 37:25
📷 Image credits: woman; street sign
Signora Sheila 
20 responses to “Old Age Isn’t For Wimps”
Father, pour out Your lovingkindness and healing touch upon Sheila. Wrap her in Your perfect peace and cause her to behold Your glory as she waits upon You to work in her body and heart. Thank you, Lord, that You know her body intimately and love her with an everlasting love. Amen
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Thank you so much Karen 💗 We know that God is working. He always is. He has helped me find a really good doctor/therapist that I really like. Both she and the surgeon seem to feel that therapy will help immensely 1🙏🙏
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I am glad that you have a great healthcare team. I hope your Resurrection Sunday was fabulous. Much love, Karen
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Thanks Karen, yes, overall they’re pretty good. Our Easter was nice. I hope yours was too. Love to you both!
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I’ve added you to my prayer list, Shiela. Life sure has its twists and turns. I’m so thankful our Creator anticipates and guides us thru them. Happy Resurrection, my friend!
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Thanks so much! Life is full of twists and turns. Thankfully God guides us through them all. Happy Easter to you too!
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Having just turned 70, I’m right there with the both of you. I’m determined, however, to keep pushing on because I know if I don’t it won’t be pretty. Take care of yourself, prayers for both of you.
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Exactly, if we don’t keep pushing on it won’t be pretty! You take care too.
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My husband and I are right there with you and your husband, Sheila. My hubby just had a shoulder replacement about 3 weeks ago. I think his knee will be next. I have some shoulder issues and just found out about some other “wear and tear” things. Our kids tell us we don’t look our age but our bodies are beginning to yell otherwise. And I look at pictures of high school friends and wonder who those old people are! :) Blessings to you all and I do hope that your pelvic issues can be corrected without surgery.
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Yes, Patty, it seems with each passing decade our bodies start to yell louder and louder. Creaks and groans, and all the rest!
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Hi, I really enjoyed this blog bc I relate so well. I’m 64 and was hiking today with my hubbie. I was breathing hard and know when I was 20, that mountains were a piece of cake. And if I noticed cellulite, one week of exercise and I was toned again, back when. 😆 It’s very cool that you live in Italy where my grandparents were from. ❤️ I’ll pray for you.
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Thank, Marla. I guess we’re in the same boat, or should I say both on wobbly knees? I appreciate your prayers!
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I too have osteoporosis and high blood pressure, Sheila! Add to that high cholesterol and pre-diabetes, even though I’ve never been overweight and have nearly always been faithful to exercise. They tell me it’s genetic. So I do what I can with diet and exercise, and minimal-dosage meds do the rest. I hope I can keep it that way. I’ll be praying that therapy will strengthen your pelvic floor and at least that problem can come off the list! P.S. Love Deuteronomy 31:8!
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Thanks for your prayers, Nancy. Thankfully I don’t have to add either cholesterol or diabetes to my list. I continue to hold on to “It is the Lord who goes before you. He will be with you; he will not leave you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed.” – Deuteronomy 31:8. With him there is no fear or dismay. He is always faithful.
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Absolutely love your insight and thanks for the reminder! As both hubby and I have reached senior citizenship, we find ourselves experiencing all too common the tiredness, aches, and pains and I, too, have had to have a procedure to take care of some things down south! I find myself wondering and asking God, are the best years behind us? And He lets me know: not even close. I truly believe the best days are before us! Maybe not in the way I picture them, but God’s ways are not our ways, right? His ways are higher. And because of Him, we CAN face tomorrow!
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Yes indeed, Mary! The best is always living for Him and in His will. Even if it doesn’t look anything like what we expected or hoped for. He’ll see us through no matter what comes! He is always faithful!
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I’m sorry to hear of your health issues, Sheila. I have said a prayer for you.
Thanks also for the reassuring Bible messages.
And yes, your husband is right: those hills are getting taller!
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Thanks for praying, Cynthia. I so appreciate it. So, that’s the problem. The hills do grow!! 😉
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(Praying for you 🌷)
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Thanks so much. Prayer makes all the difference!
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