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 ya know, 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 around the corner (like tomorrow the 27th), 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? 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.
Age … aging … ageless …?
I’ll take ageless!
I may not know what tomorrow holds, but I know Who holds my tomorrow.
Reflections From the Heart 
you’ve been blessed and your light truly shines
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Well put Mary! I’m with you! And Happy Belated! 🙂
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Awesome! Thanks Debby!
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Boy! This one hit home!! I don’t know about tomorrow , I just live from day to day, I won’t borrow from the sunshine for the skies may turn to gray! So glad I’m not alone in these feelings!! bless you! Debbie
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Awesome, Debbie. Glad you found my post helpful. I enjoyed your poem 🙂 Blessings!
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We are never alone!
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Happy birthday! I like how you look at the past without regrets and face the future with confidence. Today is your present, enjoy indeed. 🙂
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Yes indeed! Thanks Tilly!
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Lovely post. Having just turned 70, I can fully appreciate the sentiments.
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Such a magnificent milestone! My hat’s off to you, Joe 🙂
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…and I was gifted with my first grandchild. Thanks!!
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Awesome! Congrats! 🙂
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As a teenager and young adult, I saw aging as something for later, and definitely not for me. Now, like you, I am in my fifties, and prefer to think of my aches and pains as trophies from life’s battles that I have fought, won, and even lost. I look back at my youth (especially the teenage years), fondly, but I also think-never again! Job12:12 reminds us that: Wisdom is with the aged, and understanding in length of days. I look forward hopefully to more wisdom and many more years, and I know you do too!
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Good! And, I do agree with the last line😃
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😀
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I liked every age I’ve ever been.
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Yes! And hopefully, we’ve gained a little bit more wisdom with every year 😉
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Dear Mary, You’ve written a wise and lovely reflection on life! I see you’ve already received the best birthday present you could ever want. May God continue to bless you in each of your days. Happy Birthday tomorrow!
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Indeed! And you’ve made my day. Thank you! 🙂
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