I am four weeks away from turning 80. Looking out from my soul I feel 35, so I am always surprised when I catch a glimpse of myself in a picture or mirror. When I see the outside of me, I see an 80-year-old woman. It ain’t pretty.
I know with age we are to become wiser – all that life experience behind us should have taught us something. We should have wisdom to share with others who are struggling with things we experienced long ago. But I also know that aging robs us of things too.
My mobility is greatly diminished. My mind takes a bit longer to process things (Internet streaming for one). I need more sleep. The floor is much farther away than when I was young and limber. And if I end up on the floor, it takes a lot longer (and usually requires help) to get up again.
Perhaps the thing that is most difficult to embrace is that old age takes away your dignity (especially in our culture that focuses on youth). I am reminded of that fact when I struggle to get out of a car or put on my shoes. Things I need to function now are canes and hearing aids, and a device that grabs things off the floor. I also have a new love in my life, Ben Gay.
I am aware that most of those things are out of my control. But I am also aware that the one thing that is in my control is my attitude. I recall the words of Viktor E. Frankl (Holocaust Survivor). “Everything can be taken from a man but one thing: the last of the human freedoms—to choose one’s attitude in any given set of circumstances.”
I pray every day that my attitude includes two things. First is humor. Old age may be difficult, but it is also hilarious. Second is thanksgiving. I will soon be 80, thank you LORD for your grace and mercy that has allowed me to spend the last 54 years of my life surrendered to your loving care. Amen&Amen