AGING WITH GRACE
God has told you, O mortal, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God? Micah 6:8
Life has certainly changed over the past few years. The pandemic has brought out the best in people and in some cases the worst. The one thing that continues to happen regardless of circumstances is the way we face aging. For the past three years, every morning has presented me with new challenges and the opportunity to decide how to face the day. One morning I picked up the Upper Room and read a devotion that spoke to me. I think it may speak to many of all ages- whether you are at this stage in life or know loved ones who are.
“Recently I turned 73.During the previous year, I had begun to feel life shifting. My body was aging- my strength, energy, and endurance lessening. I had to give up driving at night. I needed hearing aids, and I struggled with arthritis. Having spent my life seeking to do for others, I resented these limits on my actions and activities. Grieving and embarrassed that I couldn’t do all that I used to do, I wondered, What good am I at this stage of life? What is my mission now?” Virginia Jelinek
Dolly Parton has one answer -“If my attitude needs more adjusting, I visualize God holding me upside down shaking all the negative stuff- fears, doubts, insecurities right out of me. Try it. Ask God to turn you upside down! It’s a surefire pick-me-up!”
“Micah 6:8 also gives us words that teach us how to face aging with humility and grace. None of us have to do great things to make a difference. Each time we pray for justice to win, every act of mercy we show, and every time we put others ahead of ourselves, the world shifts a tiny bit for the good- and God is pleased.” Virginia Jelinek
Heavenly Father, when we question our mission, renew our vision. Help us to remember you have a plan and encourage us to be humble servants doing what we can to make this world a better place. Amen.
Barbara Schneider
