Aging has its perks

I’m on a quest to come to grips with, and even embrace, my stage in life as a 68 (and 1/2) year old woman. This is #5 in my series. I’ve got just a few more in the works.

So, generally speaking, aging is better than not aging, if you know what I mean. But time does take its toll on the body, and the road comes to an end eventually.

Still, aging has its perks. Here are a few.

1. Number one, of course, has to be that if we’re aging, we’re alive. And that means we have more time to spend with our family and friends, and more time to travel or enjoy a hobby or two. More time to enjoy good food and God’s good creation, or do meaningful work in service to him and others. Retirement is not a biblical concept.
2. I don’t think I’m the only senior citizen who has found that the older I get the less I care about what others think of me. It’s very freeing letting go of an overly self-conscious concern about whether other people approve of or agree with me. I’m even almost to the point of being willing to leave the house without makeup on. Almost. 
3. Aging and experience increase wisdom and sharpen perspective. Like that mind/body dualism I referenced before, it’s notable that as our physical vision becomes blurred, the “eyes” of our heart and mind can see more clearly. This often means that some things that used to be stress-inducing are now merely shrug-inducing. They just don’t bother me as much.
4. Senior discount day at the local pharmacy. I’ll take my 10% off, thank you very much.
5. Being nearer to the day when I step over the threshold into the arms of Jesus is actually the best perk of all. He is the reason I can live and die in peace and I’m tearing up right now thinking about being in his presence in a tangible way. God is real, friends, and his Word is filled with truths about his love and merciful provision for us. Read and believe.

For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is his steadfast love toward those who fear him; as far as the east is from the west, so far does he remove our transgressions from us. – Psalm 103:11-12

Jesus answered him, “If anyone loves me, he will keep my word, and my Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our home with him.” – John 14:23

But God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Since, therefore, we have now been justified by his blood, much more shall we be saved by him from the wrath of God. – Romans 5:8-9

Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life. He does not come into judgment, but has passed from death to life. – John 5:24