Lent: Day 30

Learning to Age Gracefully

“Just as water mirrors your face, So your face mirrors your heart.” – Proverbs 27:19

“An old lady owes it to the world to look the very best she can.” I found this note in my 96-year old Grandmother’s handwriting. It was taped inside of her desk, which I had inherited. Anyone who met my Grandmother knew that she tried to live this belief every day of her life. She took great care about her daily appearance.

When I was younger, I thought my Grandmother’s note meant that you had to always dress properly and look good on the outside. Now that I am growing older, I believe that it has more to do with the wisdom of Proverbs. What we reflect from what is in our hearts is truly visible to others. Growing older is not always an easy road to travel. There are many bumps, pot-holes and obstacles along the way. In spite of that, our on-going enthusiasm for life, our caring about the events of the world and all of God’s people, our ability to share love with our family, our friends and our church are all signs that can be observed by those whom we meet. What we feel in our hearts will indeed be reflected in our faces. We can live what we believe until the end of our days.

Someone once told me that aging is a privilege, not a birthright. Not everyone is given the opportunity to live into their later years. I am thankful for the privilege that has been given to me. I also know that with privilege comes responsibility. I will try to take that responsibility seriously. Aging is a part of God’s plan. No one has the choice of going in the other direction. I do not want to simply be a “cheerleader” for every event in my life. I do want to maintain a positive spirit and an enthusiastic zest for living.

Prayer: Gracious, Creator God, help us to learn to age gracefully and to be thankful for the privilege of growing older. Help those of us who are already in our later years to serve as positive role-models for those who are coming along behind us. Thank you for the ways in which you walk with us on this sometimes difficult, but exciting journey called life. Amen.