Birthdays have a way of reminding me that I’m a year older and of my own mortality. I turned 77 Sept. 2 and am proud of it. (No, it’s not too late to send me a present. Lol)
I’m often reminded that I’m getting older. A cashier at a Japanese restaurant leaned over the counter, propped her chin in her hand and said to me, “I’ll bet you were pretty when you were young.” My doctor, dentist, and pharmacist have all used the unwelcomed phrases that begin, “For a woman your age—“ or “As we get older —.” Even my youngest grandson chimed in on this once. His mother’s father had died recently and Ty was having a difficult time with the loss. His mom asked if I would talk to him about it. I found him in the family room watching TV and plopped down on a bean bag by him (Big mistake.) I comforted him by saying, “Your granddad is out of pain now. He has a new body and can run and do the athletic things he enjoyed.” He dried up his tears and seemed to feel better. When I started to get up, I saw I needed help. “Ty, help your Gram get up from this bean bag. These old knees don’t work like they once did.”
“Gram, that’s alright; you’ll get new ones in Heaven before long,” he replied. Although there are aches and pains and a few other ugly things that come with age, I refuse to dwell on these. I prefer to take the positive avenue.
I suppose I need to be grateful to those encouragers out there. I have a young friend I taught with (you have now advanced to being a principal, Chris Royal) who told me, Ms. Barbara, don’t worry about being 77. In the bible the number 7 stands for perfection. That just means you are double perfect.” I liked that one and will claim it.
Old age comes with a few perks:
1. Not the least is our senior discounts
2. We can speak our mind more freely and not care so much where it lands. That sounds cold and slightly rough, but it includes some good stuff too. I can share the gospel openly without fear of being excluded or rejected. Those things become less important. Psalm 92:14 They will still bear fruit in old age, they will stay fresh and green,—
3. We have accumulated some knowledge and, hopefully, wisdom. When asked by family or friends, we can share what we’ve learned from experience. Ruth 4:15 He will renew your life and sustain you in your old age. Ruth valued her older mother-in-law.
4. We have more time to actually pray for people. I’ve learned to throw my arm around a person and pray for them on the spot if they ask me for prayer. (I might forget if I wait.) James 5:16 Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.
5. That brings up another thing; if we forget or commit a gaffe, we can always blame it on our age.
6. As we getting closer to the end of our lives, Heaven looks sweeter and God removes our dread of death. Genesis 15:15 You, however, will go to your ancestors in peace and be buried at a good old age.
7. You learn your prayers will be answered in God’s time. Luke 1:13 But the angel said to him: “Do not be afraid, Zechariah; your prayer has been heard. Your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you are to call him John. 24 After this his wife Elizabeth became pregnant—
Perhaps my greatest reassurance comes in Isaiah 46:4 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.
Oh, and “the deeper in debt part,” yes, I am spending my children’s inheritance on travel, but that is not the debt I speak of. I am truly indebted to the “old folks” who have gone before me – family, friends, my church heroes of faith – and who have paved my way spiritually.
Barbara’s upcoming events:
Sept. 26, 2019 6-7 PM Boaz Historical and Cultural Society
Oct. 8, 2019 3 PM The Book Club, Anniston, Al
Nov. 1-11 England/Scotland trip
March 19, 2020 6 PM Cullman Baptist Assoc. Women. Place tba
Jan. 25 – Feb., 2020 I will be leading Widows’ Retreat Cruise. If you hurry, I may still be able to get you in. (See below for details,)