Whatever our decade of life, we are never not aging. Alice Fryling

Jim and I have been reading the book, Aging Faithfully by Alice Fryling. I must confess, unlike when I was a kid, I don’t particularly like birthdays. Oh yes, I want to be remembered, but it’s a reminder to me that I’m getting older. “Well, duh,” you might say. Just yesterday, when I was with my hairdresser, we had a conversation about aging. I said I didn’t like saying what my exact age was because usually, I hear the remark, “You don’t look that old for your age!” What does that mean for Pete’s sake?

I understand in other societies and other times, the older person is looked on as wise and to be revered. I don’t think that’s true in our country. We look at perfect bodies–I see many people sweating and puffing in the gym. Perfectly coiffed hair, and unlined faces that are in good condition. No one takes a picture of themself first thing in the morning, or late at night.

I’ll never forget a first grader once remarked, “Just look at someone’s hands and you can tell how old they are.” I remember looking at my hands. He was right. At least about my hands. They looked and are looking more ancient every day!

I began thinking about what the Bible says about aging. Here’s what I found:

Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes (James 4:14).

The young glory in their strength,
    and the old are honored for their gray hair (Proverbs 20:29).

…if we viewed elderhood as the crowning achievement of our lives, we would open the door with reverence and anticipation. Prayerfully, we would say, “Oh my soul, you are growing something special and good inside me. How can I give it the proper sunshine and nourishment to ensure that it grows to health and vigor” Rabbi Zalman Schachter-Shalomi.

Would you like to join me on this journey? All of us are on the train. Some older, some younger. This week–and today, perhaps you can think about this: Will aging change who I am?

As you think about this, remind yourself of the phrase above:  “I am growing something special and good inside me.”

I realize I can’t muster up the good in me without the help of Christ Jesus. Our Lord is ready to give it to us. For you are all children of God through faith in Christ Jesus (Galatians 3:26).

Who’s ready to hop on the train and think and learn about aging faithfully? Come on aboard! I hope you’ll join me!

I like this particular rendition of “For All the Saints” written by William How (1823-1897) because of the variety of ages pictured in the video. The song is for all ages–the saints–those who put their faith in Christ Jesus.

“Lord, help me as I journey along this road. I’m growing old every day, help me to walk with anticipation of what I will become. You, alone can change me from the inside, as I grow older on the outside. In Your name Jesus, Amen.”

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