"Embracing Age"

I walk past the cosmetic aisle untroubled. I haven’t bought in to the expensive habit of trying to look younger. The long shelves of anti-aging creams, masks to mask age, and wrinkle-removers all serve to tell us older people that we should want to be young. I do not want to go back to the insecurities and general angst that characterizes youth. So do I long for middle age again with its constant demands, hectic work schedules, and wedding planning for family members? To put it simply, no. Did I enjoy that season when it was upon me? Yes. I embrace every season of life and seek out the diverse beauty in each.

The ability to appreciate each stage of life is a gift and I present it to you. I concluded the gift is valuable when I witnessed people struggle vainly against each season of life. When people are young, often they want to be older to “do what they want.” I showed my teenagers the mortgage statement, but they remained undeterred in wanting to be older. When young moms are busy with the demanding needs of toddlers, they often say they can’t wait for them to grow up, only to recant later, wishing they could still cuddle a baby. Then there is my stage of life which is described by numerous disparaging labels: old, aged, past your prime, or elderly. To me, the term “elderly” conjures up the image of a person so feeble they require a Boy Scout to help them across the street. The label senior seemed a bit softer until I realized it is used in derogatory phrases such as, “Having a senior moment.” Yes, I’m over the hill; in fact, I’m over a few hills. However, I am not going to waste energy futility striving against reality.

I’m old and I don’t intend to try to conceal the fact. Anyway, it would be a formidable challenge! Why would I want my laugh lines erased? A book is better without any of its lines removed. Give me the laugh lines, telling my story of a lifetime of joy. Let me keep the wrinkles which reflect care and worry for my children and adventures in the sun. Also, I will leave my hair gray. No bottle of dye will conceal the wisdom of King David: “Gray hair is a crown of splendor; it is attained in the way of righteousness.” (Proverbs 16:31)

Instead of senseless attempts to turn the clock back, I’m embracing being older. I don’t deny the disadvantages of not having a young body, and I can’t hide the scars cancer has created. Yet there are hidden gems in being older. I’ve found many and you may find others. I’m not anxiously trying to “find myself.” My philosophy has been reasoned out and my objectives are certain in this comforting season. Though, to me, the ultimate treasure is time. After all, many do not get to experience “old age.”

I see old age as a time to reap one’s rewards, whether by cherishing grandchildren or claiming other benefits from a lifetime of productiveness. It means having time to find new purposes, hobbies, or relaxing pursuits. I have time to sew quilts for the grandchildren and read those books I’ve stacked up. I have time to savor baking for the holidays instead of doing things in a rush after work. I have leisure to have long, meaningful conversations. I am gratified that the pursuit of money no longer takes away from my main priorities. In previous decades, I needed to earn a living.  Now, without having to concentrate on making money, I am freer than at any other stage of life except childhood. 

To not accept the season you find yourself in is akin to wishing for winter on a warm summer day when crystal blue waters beckon, offering cool respite. There’s no sense wishing you were in another season while hiking through verdant meadows punctuated with yellow daisies. Why desire to trade a summer evening of watching fireflies dance, gracing the darkness? I encourage you to enjoy the age you are. A famous line in Ecclesiastes 3:1 phrases it this way: “For everything there is a season, and a time for every purpose under heaven.”  .