Age. Aging. Ageless.
I rarely think about my age but the body has a way of reminding me whenever I throw my back out or my knee pops. And yes, in the mirror I sometimes notice an extra line here, another wrinkle there, and as I gaze upon certain areas of my physique I find myself wondering, where did “it” go and when did “that” change?
From time to time I muse about my early years in having to grow up so fast, and then in my teens and young adulthood in raising four children. Next thing I knew my twenties were gone, and my marriage was deteriorating. Divorced in my thirties (I felt like a failure but the world did not end), and remarried by my mid-thirties (thank God for new beginnings). I can shout from the rooftop that no marriage is so good that it can’t be made better! (You see, I’ve been married most of my life.) Then when I approached my early forties, the seasons changed again for me, this time, embracing the wonders of grand-parenting.
So, in my fifties, as I reflect on this aging process—knowing I certainly don’t have all the answers—I’ve learned a thing or two about what life has dealt me.
I read in Psalms 90:12: “So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts to wisdom.” This passage speaks to me and tells me to make each day count. I must remember to live in the present, not in the yesterdays or in the tomorrow. I must laugh often, love deeply, pray sincerely, and believe that my best days are before me.
As my birthday quickly approaches the corner, I can’t help but think: have I done all I ever wanted to do? Of course, the answer is a resounding: Not even close. Am I running out of time? That’s God’s business. I believe life is a gift from God and I’ll take each day and cherish the moment. He is the reason for every good thing, every heartbeat, and every second chance.
I love the lyrics to “Every Good Thing” by The Afters:
I tend to be busier than I should be
I tend to think that time is going to wait for me
Sometimes I forget and take for granted
That it’s a beautiful life we live
I don’t want to miss the moments like this
This is a beautiful life You give
You’re the reason for every good thing, every heartbeat
Every day we get to breathe
You’re the reason for anything that lasts, every second chance
Every laugh
Life is so sweet
You’re the reason for every good thing
There will be days that give me more than I can take
But I know that You always make beauty from my heartache
Don’t want to forget or take for granted
That it’s a beautiful life we live
I’m not going to miss the moments like this
This is a beautiful life You give
It’s our family, it’s our friends
It’s the feeling that I get when I see my children smile
You’re the reason for this life, everything we love
It’s You alive in us
You’re alive in us
You are here in every moment, and I know that You’re every good thing
You are here in every moment, and I know that You’re the reason for
You are every good thing
For the love I still see in my children’s eyes, the laughter in my grandchildren’s voices, the warmth of my husband’s embrace, the scent of rain lingering in the air, and the taste of grateful tears streaming down my cheeks, I am thankful for the goodness of God in granting me another year.
Someone said that age is a myth and beauty is a state of mind. I like that.
Faded roses? No. May I grow old gracefully, forever blooming where I am planted, one petal at a time.
A heartfelt thanks to my lovely daughter, Anna, for putting this video together
© M.A. Perez, 2013, All Rights Reserved
Reflections From the Heart 
I enjoyed reading this so much, I am inspired to be grateful & enjoy life more.
“Someone said that age is a myth and beauty is a state of mind. I like that.
Faded roses? No. May I grow old gracefully, forever blooming where I am planted, one petal at a time.” AMEN.
Thank you for the visit! Glad you enjoyed this post. Come back and see me 🙂
Amen!! A good reminder to appreciate and all the Lord has given us, and to celebrate the Giver of all good things! I love that song! 🙂
Yes, amen! Each and everyday!
I love this post – and God has a wonderful plan for us, He has no retirement policy.
Awesome!
Lovely!
{psst – how’s the writing project coming?} 😉
\o/
Tami, down but not out! (Received one rejection letter to my query, so I sent out a couple more to other agents – stay tune 😉 And thanks for asking xoxoxo
What a lovely post! To age gracefully is what I hope to do–but I’m finding it harder than I thought it would be! I think I need a reset on where my focus is, and you have written a wonderful reminder. Thank you.
Rebeca, how kind of you to read Faded Roses and leave a comment. At times, I find it helps to write in a way that helps to remind us of certain things 😉 May we embrace aging, for some do not have that privilege. Hugs!
Beautiful post Mary it could work both ways
beauty is a myth and age is a state of mind, I like that too.
I like that better, Kath! 😉
So glad to be following you now….!! Hugs! Skye
Hugs to you, Skye 🙂
Sis., You Always Seem to Amaze Me with Your Writings & Can’t Wait to Purchase a Copy of Your Best Seller Book! That Needs To Be Published Soon!!! Love You Dearly. ;0)
Awww thank you so much!!!! Blessings to you 🙂
Always find your writings to have a lot of sincere feelings and wish that I could express mine as beautifully as you do…..Much love,Josie
Love you Josie!!!
Mary, this is lovely! Thank you for directing me to it! My birthday was the 24th – yesterday – and this followed my thought processes closely. Happy birthday to you, day after tomorrow!
Awwww Happy Belated birthday, Cindy! Thank you for commenting – you made MY day 🙂
Excellent read Mary Ann. Date: Sun, 25 Aug 2013 02:04:58 +0000 To: jurbano45@hotmail.com
🙂 \o/\o/\o/