“Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day.” (2 Corinthians 4:16)
It comes as a shock, and it shouldn’t. We look in the mirror and see new wrinkles, graying hair, sometimes a person we hardly recognize. We wonder, “How did I get this old? It seems just like yesterday that I was a child, a teen, a young man.”
Today I must admit simply that I am old. Not an easy admission because when I was young I remember what I thought of old people. Old people were out of touch, could not do anything fun, mostly sat around getting older. Now I am one of them.
Growing older does not have to be a burden. Though there are some things we simply must accept in an aging body, we need not accept bitterness, grumpiness, or a complaining attitude.
My grandmother collected dolls into her old age. I enjoyed the look on her face when she would pick one of them up. It was almost as if I could see the little girl still inside her.
I think that is the way to be. We ought to grow wiser, more understanding of the faults of others, and generally kinder in our later years. But I think it is important that somewhere inside we keep alive the child, the sense of wonder, the sense of excitement. I think Jesus meant something of the kind when He said we must be like little children to enter His kingdom.
Prayer: Dear Lord, help us to keep the child alive, even as we grow and mature and waste away outwardly, keep us renewed inwardly. Amen.
About The Author:
Karlton Douglas lives in Ohio with his lovely wife. He has both Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and Crohn’s Disease. He depends upon God daily to see him through.
Karlton, thank you for sending this devotional in for us. i don’t remember reading one specifically on aging before. You show humility by confessing that you are old. I don’t know your age, so I don’t know if I would think of you that way, but good for you to admit it.
Yes, there are some common unwelcome changes as we get old, but I agree that we should strive to be joyful, cheerful and at peace. And yes, as you say, to keep or regain the childlike qualities we once had, such as curiosity and a sense of wonder, openness and excitement about life.
Your friend, getting up there too,
Beth