Aging
This blog is for all of you that have a complicated relationship with aging. As I type, I realize that statement is silly because we all do (right?)! None of us likes to come face to face with the reality that we’re slowing down. Whether it’s mental sharpness and memory, or physical strength and balance. It may be dealing with disease or disability. After all, who wants to wake up with back pain or soreness in joints? None of us wants to take endless visits to doctors to deal with organs that worked just fine a few short years ago! It’s also difficult to give up meaningful activities because we can no longer physically or mentally enjoy them.
So how are we to approach this inevitable truth in life? We all deal with aging in one way or another, whether you’re in your 40’s or in your 80’s. My personal “go to” is complaining (to anyone who’ll listen) that I can’t run like I used to. In my youth, I imagined being one of those older guys that runs ultramarathons all around the country. Apparently, my body didn’t agree with this plan. What have you had to give up or reluctantly adjust to?
Fortunately, getting older has its advantages as well. Aging is more than just physical change or the passage of time. As we age, we experience life. We can be more mindful of the positive changes that come along with aging, the most obvious being that it beats the alternative (attempt at a little humor there)! Humor aside, consider these positives of aging:
1) Wisdom: With life experience comes wisdom. Maybe to be more present, maybe to prioritize or focus on important activities or relationships, or to appreciate small things.
2) Let Go: We can let go of what others think. As a young person we spend so much time trying to impress everyone… With age, it’s nice to take this off our plate
3) Deeper Faith: Along with wisdom, perspective, and experience, comes our desire to know “who” we are. We question and explore our “why” which leads down the road of spiritual discovery and deeper faith.
4) More Freedom: We tend to have more freedom (time and hopefully finances) when we are older.
5) Less Responsibility: We also tend to have more time to do things we want to do (spend time with people we care about, volunteer, enjoy the newfound wisdom).
6) Deeper Relationships: With age, we tend to have longer, deeper relationships
Most importantly, no matter how we feel, we can always pray. If you ever feel weak or find yourself struggling for purpose, reflect on James 5: 13-18 and remember the power of prayer. Sometimes, quieting life allows us to do what matters most… Pray on!!
Now that we feel a little better about aging, should we talk about the final phase in life. Next month, we’ll explore the value in becoming more aware of our own mortality (also one of those guarantees). While it may sound morbid, maybe it doesn’t have to!!
