By Nancy Virden (c)2021

Older age comes with perks: discounts, authority, health programs, sometimes heightened respect, and hopefully wisdom and the willingness to share it. If years have been lived in a box of limitations, it will be more challenging to stretch the familiar comfort zone. It is still doable!

Maturing age comes with a secret that only people above sixty know. Quite frankly, we are still kids! In our feelings, mindset, and self-image, we are often young with ambitions, dreams, and goals. Senior citizens who believe they have nothing left to offer may lose their will to try. It is still doable!

Longer life comes with extra time. Beyond extra years, there may be more free hours in a day. Nonetheless, it remains easy to squander. Time best spent in reading (especially the Bible), praying for other people, learning a new subject, volunteering, getting to know the neighbors – none of these come with regret. What an opportunity to practice cheerfulness and to encourage those who help take care of our needs! It is doable!

Becoming older tends to have another characteristic. “Gray hair is a crown of glory…” according to Proverbs 16:31. In chapter 20 verse 29, “…the gray hair of experience is the splendor of the old.” Some might want to dispute the glory and splendor ideas, but God sees nothing shameful or less-than in gray hair. In fact, the prophet Isaiah quoted God as saying, “Even to your old age and gray hairs I am he, I am he who will sustain you. I have made you and I will carry you; I will sustain you and I will rescue you (46:4).

Well, I will confess to experiencing the first three paragraphs of this post. Maybe I will not confess to gray hairs. After all, hair color can be changed. It is doable!

-COMMENTS WELCOME

Today’s Helpful Word

Psalm 71:17-19

O God, you have taught me from my earliest childhood, and I constantly tell others about the wonderful things you do.  Now that I am old and gray, do not abandon me, O God. Let me proclaim your power to this new generation, your mighty miracles to all who come after me.

If you are feeling suicidal, or concerned about someone who is, in the U.S. call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 1-800-273-TALK (8255), or for a list of international suicide hotlines, go here.

If you are suicidal with a plan, immediately call 911 in the U.S. or go to your nearest emergency room. In the EU call 112. (For other international emergency numbers, go here ). Hope and help are yours!

Always the Fight Ministries (ATFM) has been displaying compassion for those fighting mental illness, addiction, or abuse since 2012. Nancy is the founder and voice of ATFM and openly shares her emotional resurrection from despair. NOTE: Nancy is not a doctor or a mental health professional, and speaks only from personal experience and observations. In no way is this website intended to substitute for professional mental or behavioral health care.

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