The Golden Years

The golden years—what a misnomer! Gold is precious and desired by all, but too often, after you turn sixty, no one wants you around.

Your advice is disregarded, and your presence is ignored. What is so great about growing old? Well, let me tell you. Believe it or not, you are.

You are what is great about growing old.

Aging is a gift not afforded to everyone. If you are fortunate enough to receive this gift, praise the Lord! Your eyesight may diminish, but your vision is clearer. Youthful inhibitions have long faded, and you can respectfully speak your mind.

This shame in aging is a ploy of the enemy. So, too, is the fear of death. Hindsight is twenty-twenty, and as you age it is easier to look back and be filled with gratitude. Seniors are not deluded by thoughts of finding the fountain of youth.

They know it is a myth. They also realize that no one lives forever. Quite the opposite, in fact. As our physical body ages and we realize that we have more years behind us than before us, we have a greater appreciation for the gift of life.

The good news is that no matter our age, we can start now—start to take care of our body but be wise enough to recognize its limits. Before we entered these precious golden years, we pushed and worked and achieved much—but now we are here.

Older and wiser. It is good to slow down a bit more, smell the roses, and appreciate all we have. Let us choose to keep learning, stay curious, and foster a positive attitude and a joyful spirit. The wisdom gained in living this life is far superior to anything we can acquire from books. We are smarter now than we have ever been.

Instead of seeing all the negativity associated with aging, why not enjoy our golden years? Stay active and involved. People want us to stick around more than we realize. Enjoy the gift of time with family and loved ones. Find the blessings and remember the promise, Even to your old age I am he, and to gray hairs I will carry you. I have made, and I will bear; I will carry and will save. . . . Remember this and stand firm. . . . for I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is none like me (Isaiah 46:4–9, ESV). Let us thank God today for the gift of life and celebrate the golden years.

Kathy-ann Best