Several years ago, I gave some serious contemplation as to how my parents were aging. When my grandparents were in their 40s, that seemed old, but then, my perspective was that of a child, and society had a different aging standard in the 1960s. Anyone over 35 was "old establishment." From the time I was twelve, I was looking forward to 40. By the time 40 came around for me, it was fantastic and didn't really seem so old, after all. It was in the next couple of years as my parents were hitting 60, that age seemed to be the new aging standard. Either one was a young 60 or an old 60, and my parents are one of each.
In my early 40s, 60 really wasn't much of an issue, and I've always been more like Daddy than mom. I guess I just figured I'd be a young 60, but the other night, I got a wake up call, in the mirror. As I stood at the sink, washing my hands, in the mirror; my great grandma was looking back at me. Seeing the image of Daddy's grandma startled me, immensely. I remember Granny, but she was much older than I am now, when I was born. I shook it off, as best I could, and headed to bed. It hadn't occurred to me that Daddy might be the exception to his family rule, or that he'd simply aged better because of his very active and athletic lifestyle. Then there is the fact that men do tend to age better than women . . . think Paul Newman, Cary Grant, Sam Elliot. Those men could still be the "leading man" while their female counterparts of the early movie days were relegated to support roles.
Sleep was a bit restless that night, as I considered a bold fact. I'm less than three years from 60. Although genetics will be an obvious factor, I still have a choice as to how 60 is going to hit and fit! Vanity is not the issue, my endurance and activity level is my concern. I remember several years ago, crying to Abba about having given Mr. B the last of my "good looking years," to which my Heavenly Father responded, "No, those were over before you met him." Touche'! Except for that one bout of self-pity, since following Messiah, I've been much more concerned about the beauty of my spirit. I do want to reflect the glory of my Heavenly Father in my countenance. The recent revelation that my hair is no longer salt & pepper, as well as more than a few aches and pains with rain coming that same night, caused me to evaluate a few other things that night.
Last year, right before Yom Teruah, I'd planned to do some things differently. How many of those "good intentions" had I implemented? As I laid there in the dark, evaluating my checklist, the stretches and increased walking hadn't exactly come to fruition, but HalleluYah! I did have peace in the acceptance and resolve of a few other things . . . The ministry outreach has expanded exponentially and I think I'm more prepared than when I first heard to do so. So, now that Yom Teruah is approaching once again, I'm repenting for my failure to accomplish some of the intentions. I'm careful in regard to vows, but I'm not so sure Abba draws that line in my semantics, so it's time to get serious!
I'm not at all upset about growing older. I've been counting on experiencing "my youth renewed" as found in Psalm 103. I have no intention or desire to look 30, but I often think of doing chores and milking goats 20 years from now. I want that. I want to be able to do that. I want to walk the half mile lane picking blackberries when I'm pushing 80, if my numbered days reach that point. I want to still have a garden. There is no need for the redeemed remnant to deteriorate with age. I want to wear out, not rust out! I can't expect Abba to renew my youth if I don't make a point to remain active. If I'm not a young 60, the chances of being an active 80 will be drastically diminished.
My hair color and features are what they are, but I do have a choice in my activity and energy level. The truth is: I'm not getting any younger, but there is an element of choice in how gracefully I age.
Showing posts with label 60. Show all posts
Showing posts with label 60. Show all posts
Sunday, August 30, 2015
Tuesday, May 26, 2015
Feeling Young
I haven't discovered the fountain of youth, but I have discovered a way to feel young! In my younger days, it seemed I was usually among the youngest in my circle of influence. I was a young mother, and young grandma, but as life has continued to move along, there are two generations of mothers now younger than myself! Although I am believing the Psalm that speaks of my youth being renewed, my chronological age is certainly not going backward, and seems to be gaining momentum.
Actually, I am thrilled to be the age I am and finally comfortable in my own skin. I don't have a crowd surrounding me in agreement, but that's okay, I'm not seeking popularity or human approval. Although my skin feels alright, actually with my natural products, I think it feels better than alright, I am aware that I'm aging. Sometimes as I walk around the homestead, I talk to myself, reminding myself that if Messiah tarries, I still want to be doing this twenty-five years from now. In that same breath, however; I also tell myself, this place needs some young blood.
In the last few weeks, more than one person, right around 50 made a comment indicating they saw 57 as considerably older . . . Whether it's 50 or 57, we're in our 50s! The "zero" years have never bothered me, but a friend told me, they'd never bothered her either, until 60. YHWH willing, I have big plans for 60 and I don't plan on it including any misery about my age. Sixty is the new age marker for old or young. It used to be forty. Folks were a young forty or an old forty.
Since it seems to take so long now to even get started in independent adulthood, forty just doesn't seem so old. From the time I was 12, I looked forward to forty, and it was fabulous! Forty and 41 were absolutely great, then at 47, I started homesteading. The lull between 41 and 47 wasn't horrible, just aware that more was to come. Fifty was good, but nothing like I expected, then more lull until I was 55. To be honest, there were a few rough years between 47 and 55, but it as it turns out, I proved the following adage.
The last two years have been better than I would have imagined. Although I should probably now be able to bench-press a Buick, I don't carry extra baggage, just extra weight. There was only one potentially negative aspect of turning 55. In this country, for some insane reason, 55 is considered a senior citizen. My hair has been grey for so long, I've probably been getting a senior discount without even knowing it. Actually, now that I'm eligible for the senior discount, I can express my disdain in it. Young families trying to raise children and put food on the table should not have to pay more than someone else. It's just not right. Although there is much talk of "fixed incomes" the reality in observation is seniors and teen-agers have the most expendable cash flow. Even though many American seniors are living comfortably, most grocery stores offer a senior discount day.
Most folks between 55 and 65 are still in the work force, so the daytime hours of senior discount day, primarily consist of those over 65. Being self employed, I've now discovered a double portion blessing in senior discount day! First, the money I save, I can actually donate to a worthy cause and second, as I look around at my fellow shoppers that day, I feel young! As a matter of fact, early afternoon in the grocery store on senior discount day is about the only place I'm still one of the youngest.
Actually, I am thrilled to be the age I am and finally comfortable in my own skin. I don't have a crowd surrounding me in agreement, but that's okay, I'm not seeking popularity or human approval. Although my skin feels alright, actually with my natural products, I think it feels better than alright, I am aware that I'm aging. Sometimes as I walk around the homestead, I talk to myself, reminding myself that if Messiah tarries, I still want to be doing this twenty-five years from now. In that same breath, however; I also tell myself, this place needs some young blood.
In the last few weeks, more than one person, right around 50 made a comment indicating they saw 57 as considerably older . . . Whether it's 50 or 57, we're in our 50s! The "zero" years have never bothered me, but a friend told me, they'd never bothered her either, until 60. YHWH willing, I have big plans for 60 and I don't plan on it including any misery about my age. Sixty is the new age marker for old or young. It used to be forty. Folks were a young forty or an old forty.
Since it seems to take so long now to even get started in independent adulthood, forty just doesn't seem so old. From the time I was 12, I looked forward to forty, and it was fabulous! Forty and 41 were absolutely great, then at 47, I started homesteading. The lull between 41 and 47 wasn't horrible, just aware that more was to come. Fifty was good, but nothing like I expected, then more lull until I was 55. To be honest, there were a few rough years between 47 and 55, but it as it turns out, I proved the following adage.
The last two years have been better than I would have imagined. Although I should probably now be able to bench-press a Buick, I don't carry extra baggage, just extra weight. There was only one potentially negative aspect of turning 55. In this country, for some insane reason, 55 is considered a senior citizen. My hair has been grey for so long, I've probably been getting a senior discount without even knowing it. Actually, now that I'm eligible for the senior discount, I can express my disdain in it. Young families trying to raise children and put food on the table should not have to pay more than someone else. It's just not right. Although there is much talk of "fixed incomes" the reality in observation is seniors and teen-agers have the most expendable cash flow. Even though many American seniors are living comfortably, most grocery stores offer a senior discount day.
Most folks between 55 and 65 are still in the work force, so the daytime hours of senior discount day, primarily consist of those over 65. Being self employed, I've now discovered a double portion blessing in senior discount day! First, the money I save, I can actually donate to a worthy cause and second, as I look around at my fellow shoppers that day, I feel young! As a matter of fact, early afternoon in the grocery store on senior discount day is about the only place I'm still one of the youngest.
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