If I’d only known that when I was younger. If I’d only had the money for that trip in my twenties or thirties. Too bad I didn’t learn that lesson sooner.
Have you ever wrestled with these thoughts? I have. The aging process is a bit of an upside-down dilemma. When we’re young, we don’t have the time or money to do all the things we’d like to do—not to mention the wisdom. For many of us, by the time we’re able to do all the things we wanted to do when we were younger, we’re out of energy. Oh, we’re smarter. We have the money and the time, but as the old adage goes, our get-up-and-go got up and went.
People ask, “Don’t you wish you were a teenager again?” Not on your life. I made a lot of mistakes and endured a lot of heartbreak. You might say I graduated from the School of Hard Knocks. Those days are in the past—exactly where they need to stay.
Getting older has its own set of problems, but there’s much to be said for this new phase of life. These days, I’m able to work from home—even though I’m supposed to be retired. Material possessions are becoming less and less important. After all, it’s just stuff. I’ve learned people are far more important than any possessions. My bucket list is not as long as it once was because my priorities have changed. I can enjoy my grandchildren, spoil them rotten, fill them with sugar (just kidding), and then send them home to their parents.
God has shown me this new season of life holds many blessings as I walk hand in hand with Him, listening for His voice and following His lead. He knows the number of my days and even the number of hairs on my head. He’s still molding me into the person He created me to be and has a wonderful plan and purpose for my life.
Proverbs says, Gray hair is a crown of glory; it is gained by living a godly life. The Passion translation puts it this way: Old age with wisdom will crown you with dignity and honor, for it takes a lifetime of righteousness to acquire it.
If you’re getting up there in years like me, don’t despair. God says your best days are ahead.
(Photo courtesy of pixabay.)
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Dear Sister, I just wanted to tell you this devotion was really good. I love how you ended it because your last statement was one my pastor uses alot: "Your greatest days are ahead of you."
How wonderful to read such encouragement and truth to prepare for the day! My 94-year-old mother agrees heartily, too.