I had a recent conversation with my doctor. She, like just about every other physician, asked me how I was doing. I told her I thought I was doing better. The intense pain and fatigue were less. I was off some of my meds and others were reduced (which often alleviates the fatigue). All in all, while I still have some “structural issues,” I thought I was doing well for an almost 78-year-old woman.

On the way home, I re-thought that. Just what does it mean for an almost 78-year-old woman to “do well.” I have never been 78 years old before. I don’t know what I should feel like. Every day now is an adventure into old age.

I still feel surprised when I catch a glimpse of myself in a mirror or window. I wonder who that old woman is looking back at me. That is because, as I have said before, the part of me that is truly me feels like I am 35 years old. At times, even though I know I live in this body, I do not feel “part” of this body.

When that feeling arises, I remember Jesus’ description of how we are to relate to this world. We are “in it but not of it.”

That phrase comes from Jesus’ prayer in John 17. It means that while we live in this world, the world’s values and priorities do not live in us – we are not to align ourselves with the world’s standards, but with God’s holy standards. We are to be different in that God’s ways always, ALWAYS, have priority in our lives.

This body of mine seems to be doing what it wants. So does this world. But just as I need my soul and spirit to rise above what my body often demands, I need to lead a life that follows God’s higher standards – and greater glory.

Amen.