Growing Old With God

Ah, the “fun” of growing older! Achy bodies, dietary restrictions, frequent bathroom trips, declining stamina, and worsening vision. It seems a little unfair, because we as we age the difficulties increase, but we have less energy to deal with it all!

Then there’s the forgetfulness and losing things. (Among them, perhaps our minds?) Hubby was getting dressed the other day and couldn’t find his jeans. Only to discover that he had been holding them the whole time. I lose my glasses all the time, even when they’re sitting right on my nose.

Something happened last summer that made me think. Our church held its annual church picnic in the mountains. Hubby and I were responsible for paying the park fee and decided to enjoy one last espresso. He stayed behind to pay while I went back to collect our things.

Just then, a girl came running towards me. All of a sudden she stopped and shouted to her brother who coming along behind her, “Oh no, there’s an old woman here!”

I cringed and looked around, hoping the poor old woman hadn’t heard the rude comment. But when I saw that there was no one else around, I suddenly realised that I was the old woman!

That episode spoiled what had otherwise been a lovely day. And I carried the aftertaste of that unpleasantness with me for several days.

I was that old woman!

That experience made me realize that how I see myself is not always how others see me. It’s odd, because I don’t feel old inside. Even though I’ve changed a lot externally over the years.

But I’m young inside, regardless of what the mirror reflects. Others can’t see that. They never knew the girl or the young woman I was. They don’t know the memories that live on in my heart and mind, keeping me feeling and thinking young.

I can still see the nervous teenager I was when I started my first job. I can still picture myself as a young newlywed, joyfully setting up our first home, and as a harried young mother with toddlers underfoot.

So, while I am the old woman that child was pointing at–that is not all that I am.

I am also a woman who has had the privilege of walking with God for 44 years. I am a wife who has been blessed with 50 years of marital bliss. I am a mother of 2 fantastic children and a nonna to 9 wonderful, special grandchildren, with a great-grandchild on the way!

No reminders needed!

I don’t need reminders that I’m getting older, whether they come from birthdays, ID cards, or insensitive shouting children!

My body reminds me daily with creaky knees, an aching back, fragile bones, and diminishing eyesight. I see my white hair in the mirror, and I don’t have to look for new wrinkles. They appear uninvited.

I often talk about aging with grace — God’s grace. Because I believe that aging gracefully is truly possible only with His grace. Only God’s Word puts everything into proper perspective.

Aging with God’s grace

This world places great emphasis on youth and youthful beauty. This is totally understandable, as youth has its own special beauty.

It’s also understandable because old age, along with sickenss and death, was never part of God’s original plan. God planned for us to live in joyous health and beauty, eternally and continually in His presence.

Thankfully, when we become God’s chldren, death is defeated in our lives. Physically we continue to age and die. Spiritually, though, we enter the eternal life of His Kingdom.

We walk with Him each day, following in His footsteps. That walk brings us richness, a spiritual richness that comes from communion with our heavenly Father.

It brings the wisdom that comes from spending time in His Word. It increases our trust and faith, which become firmly planted on the bedrock of seeing God’s faithfulness throughout a lifetime of walking with Him.

The Best Years

The world looks at us older folks and says our best years are behind us. In many ways they are. In some ways, our future seems bleak. It promises new aches and pains, increased forgetfulness, and greater fragility. It will likely bring greater loneliness, as well, as we see our friends and loved ones leave this world.

Yet in Christ, old age means a great future. Whatever number of years the Lord has in store for us, they will bring new blessings, even in the midst of ailments and difficulties. His love and presence will be with us, just as He promised, even if our minds are unable to grasp them.

We can look back on a lifetime of God’s blessings, protection, and faithfulness. We can look forward with gladness, because each passing day brings us a little closer to the glorious day when we will live in His presence. We look toward that glorious day when the resurrection will erase all these earthly ills.

I don’t always enjoy the aging process. It’s not easy. As my dad used to say, “Old age isn’t for wimps.” However, our attitude can make a big difference.

That child’s comment was hurtful. Probably because in Italian it’s nearly equivalent to calling someone an old hag. Nevertheless, it was an accurate statement — I am old. But I am much more than just an old woman.

Age is just a number. It can describe a person, but it can never define who one really is.

It’s true that I’m old and getting older. It’s true that the path I’m on will likely lead to new aches and pains and increased difficulties. But it also leads to an eternity in God’s presence. And it comes with the promise that He will remain faithful every step of the way. The best is yet to come!

Images: Picnic table | Woman & fence are ai images created on Canva.

Even to your old age and gray hairs I am he, I am he who will sustain you. I have made you and I will carry you; I will sustain you and I will rescue you.

Isaiah 46:4