Here in the United States it is the "in thing" to be young looking and filled with vitality. Millions of dollars are spent annually on plastic surgery, liposuction, coloring hair, facial spot remover, pills that promise to keep you young and a host of other things. The culture makes it cool to be under fifty. The attitude of "no senior discount for me, thank-you very much" prevails as we do not want to be "old" but guess what. Unless we die early we will all be old. What is so bad about that ?
I can attest to the fact that "I am not old", as I feel 39, but try telling that to the unassuming movie ticket clerk who automatically gives you a senior discount without your asking for one. "No red hat for me" you might say, and yes this writer has said that phrase.
There is nothing wrong with having 59 birthdays. There is nothing wrong with 69 birthdays or 79 birthdays and so on. If you are in one of these categories be happy as The Lord is not finished with you here on Earth yet. You have a purpose no matter what age you happen to be. If you are a youthful reader then respect and learn from those who have been around a wee bit longer.
Do not be afraid of getting old and if you have a dream no matter what your age, Go for it! Retirement is not a concept found in The Bible. Many retire and lead active lives and others sit in rocking chairs. Keep exploring and trying things new.
Psalm103:5(NIV) says 'who satisfied your desires with good things, so that your youth is renewed like the eagles.' Psalm 92:14(NIV) says 'they still bear fruit in old age. They shall stay fresh and green.' Have you ever been around people who constantly are talking about stuff they can not do anymore because they are "old" or perhaps this describes you and the way you speak of yourself? Once again the power of words and thoughts comes into play. You may recall Proverbs 23:7 which tells us 'as a man thinks in his heart so is he.'' Do your thoughts keep thinking you are old or do your thoughts say 'I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength?' (Philippians 4:13).
You may look into the mirror and think "When did I turn into my mom or my dad" depending on your gender. Look at the bright side of aging. You are filled with a wealth of wisdom and knowledge. Job 12:12(NIV)says ' Is not wisdom found among the aged? Does not long life bring understanding?' I believe once again when a person who is getting older starts putting themselves down that those feelings come from the enemy who, as I have said before, tries to "disable" Christians so they will stop being effective for the Lord. Do not believe the lies of the enemy.
I like the "Life is Good" motto which says "Do What You Like. Like What You Do" Do you have a dream or goal in your life or have your quit trying and have given up? Every stage of our life is important to God so go for it!You may look into the mirror and think "When did I turn into my mom or my dad" depending on your gender. Look at the bright side of aging. You are filled with a wealth of wisdom and knowledge. Job 12:12(NIV)says ' Is not wisdom found among the aged? Does not long life bring understanding?' I believe once again when a person who is getting older starts putting themselves down that those feelings come from the enemy who, as I have said before, tries to "disable" Christians so they will stop being effective for the Lord. Do not believe the lies of the enemy.
PRAYER: Lord I thank you for renewing my youth like the eagles. I thank you for your thoughts which tell me I am valuable to you regardless of what year I was born in. My hope is in you Lord as I look to a future of wonderful opportunities. In Jesus' name. Amen.
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This is good. When I turned 50, everyone razzed me about it. What got me about it was, they sounded mean when they were doing it. There are some things I would like to still do but I have to accept that I can't and go on with what I can. Thank you for posting this message.
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