I’m not about to tell you that I’m getting old. I’m definitely growing older, but whatever age “old” starts at, the general consensus is that it won’t happen to me any time soon. But it will one day, so I’ve been paying attention to the people of maturity in my life. If I pay close enough attention, as I grow old I should also grow wise, or at least wiser. Here are a few things I’ve seen and learned.
I’ve known some older people who put younger ones to shame. I know that getting old doesn’t always come with severe pains and sicknesses, but I’ve known these older, frailer people to show up to church in pain and sickness. They’ve come to church barely able to walk down a hall without stopping to rest. They show up when everyone would have given them a pass to stay home and rest, and some younger people won’t get up for church just because it’s raining or they’re too tired. These older saints have a strong prayer life, and they read their Bibles and know the Scriptures very well. They have a maturity in their spiritual lives that gives them joy in the midst of all their delicate frailty. They know that God always has a purpose, and they are happy to be a part of it, regardless of the difficulty. Some of them even talk to God exactly like they talk to an old friend, and He speaks just as clearly to them.
Growing older is something that happens whether you like it or not. Growing more mature is something in which you have a choice. If you’re growing older correctly, your maturity should also grow.
Just because you’re old doesn’t mean you can’t still get into trouble. Be mindful of the example you’re setting, because sometimes people will attempt to justify their actions by yours.
Getting old is when your mind makes contracts that your body can no longer fulfill.
Just because you’re old doesn’t mean you can’t still have good fun, sometimes even more fun than in your youth! You’re just better at making less of a mess, and you clean up after yourself better. Trust me, I’ve had some fun times with older people. They’re like teenagers, except they get into better trouble!
Growing old happens over a long period of time, that way you have some time to get used to it.
Growing old is not for sissies. It comes with even more life to handle, and some new aches and pains along with it. But that doesn’t mean it isn’t still good. God is still with you, even when you’re old, and even when you’re frail. God, the Ageless One, doesn’t think of you as less important just because you’ve advanced to a later age.