The gift of growing old
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Lauri Anne Jacobs
Growing old is something we are taught to fear and do everything we can to reverse it. Growing old is not something we should fear at all. It is actually a privilege that many never get. To grow old means you lived, and you have a story to tell. With age comes wisdom and experience. I love to talk to old timers in hopes of gleaning a little of their knowledge. “With the Ancient is wisdom; and in length of days understanding.” Job 12:12. “The hoary head is a crown of glory if it be found in the way of righteousness” Proverbs 16:31. Hoary head means gray hair. The Bible calls it a crown of glory, but many view it as something to hide.
We live in a society obsessed with vanity and youth. So much time is spent worrying about the lines creeping in on our faces and the gray in our hair that we forget that it is a gift. Wrinkles are proof that we have laughed and cried throughout our lives. They are proof of a life lived, and all the pain and joy that came with it. Grey hair is a crown of wisdom earned through years of experience. When you get older and the steps get slower, it just proves you have walked many, many miles on life’s highway. You have earned the right to slow the pace if you so desire.
In a world that teaches us to preserve our youth at all costs, I choose to be a rebel and embrace the gift of aging. I have a sign on my refrigerator that says, “Life should not be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in an attractive and well-preserved body, but rather skid in sideways, chocolate in one hand,d wine in the other, totally worn out, and screaming woo hoo, what a ride!” I was in my late 20s when I put that there to be a constant reminder that it is a short trip, and to live it to the fullest while trying to make a positive impact, and help others along the way.
Growing old is truly a gift. It means you were given time on this earth. It is a wonderful gift, but not everyone gets it. Some never get to grow old on this earth because their lives were cut short. Embrace the gift and make the most of the time you have been given. What a privilege it is to see your children and grandchildren grow up, and the impact you had on their lives that will last long after your time is up. Proverbs 17:6 says that children are the crown of old men, and the glory of children are their fathers. Trying to preserve youth is nothing new. Ponce De Leon sailed the Atlantic Ocean and landed in Florida in search of the fountain of youth. The only true fountain of youth is the fountain filled with blood drawn from Immanuel’s veins, and this–my friends–is the key to eternal life, which is the greatest gift of all.
