AG(E)ING!!!

Oh no Gramma - not another tome on aging! Well, the way I look at it, it's the subject that I know the most about right now! And, Lord willing, you'll all experience it one day. Just trying to give you a heads-up for when the time comes.

First of all, it's not all bad - neither is it all good. It's normal! One day follows another and one phase follows another and before you know it - you're where you never thought you'd be.

I remember thinking as a child that I'd never make 21 because we were in the midst of WWII and we saw so many gold stars hanging in windows that indicated that another serviceman had died in that family. So you begin to think that there's really no reason why you shouldn't be a gold star in your parents window because the war could reach your shores anytime now.

But, here I am - and still not a gold star! Thank you God. I'm also sure that you may have had your 'dead'lines in mind at some time - but, you too, are still here. So, what do you have to look forward to in your last decades of life?

First of all, Family. Some people have little respect for families in todays world, but that is sad. Families aren't perfect - but they can be as good as you are willing to particiate in making them good. At our time of life, we like to spend time with our progeny.

My goodness! There has been a four month pause in my writing in which we celebrated not only a wonderful Christmas - but an outstanding Easter Sunday. And these two celebrations truly exemplify my gratitude for God's whole plan for marriage and family.

We are at the 'full quiver' stage of our lives. We're really not 'full' yet - because we are expecting our fifteenth great grandchild in July. (Katie and Joey's little girl, Ellie). And who knows what next year will bring? How blessed we are. Especially since most of our family lives fairly near and we have the pleasure of seeing them grow up.

And growing up never stops! Nearing the end of my 7th decade of life I can still feel the harness of sin that keeps me from experiencing any true sense of maturity as a Godly woman. If you think that it just happens with age - forget it. To grow into Godliness takes a determination to truly focus on Jesus as Hebrews 12 teaches. Many a day I have committed myself to the 'lettuce' (let us) verses here and looked back a month later to see that I'm far from my goal.

But then, I am reminded of Jesus! He did live a fully Godly life and He willingly laid down that life on my behalf. His death AND resurrection are the means by which I can truly be absolved of all my foolish attempts and failures to live that perfect life. He has taken my place - and my feeble attempts at 'Godliness' can be accepted for what they are - 'filthy rags' (Isaiah 64:6)
Does this stop my from trying? No! That's my act of gratitude. But the joy that lays before me, (us) is already assured by our Triune God. Hallelujah!