“Is not wisdom found among the aged? Does not long life bring understanding?” Job 12:12

Good Things About Aging

For those of us who are in our senior years, there are some things we don’t like about growing older—especially all the aches and pains. Some days I feel like I’m falling apart bit by bit. It’s often said that “growing old isn’t for wimps,” and that is quite true! But I think it’s more than balanced out by all the good things of being older. I started reflecting on them:

  • The richness of fellowship with the Lord that can only come over time.
  • The treasure of walking through many decades of life with my “gentle giant” and best friend, learning and growing together…this one gift alone is priceless.
  • The sweet wonder of watching our children grow up and have their children.
  • The wisdom of age. I wouldn’t want to go back to being 20 again for anything!
  • The treasure of friendships, especially the life-long ones. The friendships we have that have come over many years are a priceless gift—something no amount of money can buy.
  • The joy of having seen much of God’s marvelous creation as we’ve traveled all over the world in ministry.
  • The fulfillment that comes by being able to pass on the things we’ve learned to the next generation.
  • The wonder of seeing God answer prayers over and over again through the years. It never ceases to amaze me that He hears us and answers the cries of our heart.

And the icing on the cake, as the years go by, is being aware that God “knows the number of our days”and someday we’ll join Him for all eternity.

Many of our western societies look down on the “frailties” of age. Much advertising is geared to products to help us stay young. I’m blessed to live in an African culture where age is honored and respected. I’m “mama” to even strangers because of my wrinkles and gray hairs.

On the days when something isn’t working in my body as well as it used to, I think through this list and realize it’s okay. The scales are more than balanced out by all the precious things God has brought into my life over the years.

And to those of you reading this who are still young—may I encourage you that you have a lifetime of wonder to walk in as you see God bring all these gifts into your life.

Father, help us to cherish our lives, and to look forward to the days yet to come. May we live fully for Your honor and glory. Amen.