I’m not old. But I am getting older. I’ve lived more years than I have left to live. And that’s ok. I’m relived to have completed so many years in my life. Not that I’m old. As I said. But I’m older. I’ve seen things. I’ve heard things. I’ve done things. But there are things I still have left to see. There are words I have left to hear. There are tasks I must complete. I’m not finished. Yet.

But as I examine my life, I find that I have changed. In some ways, I have mellowed. In other ways, I’m more vocal. At times, I find myself holding back because I know the consequences. Other times, I can’t find it in me to hold my tongue. Because I tell myself. What do I have to lose. Really. Oh. That’s no excuse for unkind words or accusations. But there are times when experience is the best teacher. So I teach. That’s what I tell myself.

But I also find that as I hear young people talk about their current situations, I recall the struggles of my young years. The fears. The uncertainty. The life changing decisions. The dreams. And I find that I can still relate to those up and coming young voices. I know that they will have to experience the highs and lows of life. The losses. The wins. The mistakes. The challenges. The victories. They will grow. And they will fall back. But life is a process.

And in the end. The goal is to be closer to God than you ever thought possible.

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Is not wisdom found among the aged? Does not long life bring understanding? Job 12:12

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I find that I need to be more considerate of others. After all, I’ve never walked a mile in anyone’s shoes but my own. I can’t read minds and I can’t change people. I must be about my Father’s business. But in his way and in his time. I am not God.

I find that as I age, God is softening my heart to see others as he sees them. I sense the urgency to see others accept Christ as their personal Savior. Because time is short, and eternity is forever.

I find that I am bending more to love others as they are. Not as I want them to be. And it’s work. It’s hard work. But it’s a good work. To build relationships. To deepen friendships for the sake of sharing space and time and words. And to have shared experiences.

Don’t long for “the good old days.” This is not wise. Ecclesiastes 7:10

I find that the gray hair on my head is a symbol I’m comfortable with. The wrinkles and lines in my neck speak of survival. The creaking of my knees tells me that I’ve walked a lot of miles in a lot of years. The tightness in my shoulders lets me know that I’ve carried burdens for many years.

I like to think I’ve learned when to speak and when to be silent. When to stand and when to fall back. I’ve learned that winning isn’t always about getting the first place trophy. I’ve also discovered that the young must face their disappointments and losses as a part of their own maturity.

I’ve learned that accomplishments and dreams don’t have to be fulfilled in your twenties or even thirties. Life is long and must be lived. Dreams change. Accomplishments must sometimes be put on hold for the everyday parts of living. Don’t worry. Keep dreaming and planning. Life will slow down. And when it does, the dreams can be dusted off and picked up. Sometimes waiting makes the fulfillment of a longtime dream even sweeter than it would have been at an early age. Experience is the best teacher.

I’ve found that speaking truth is most important. Loving others speaks volumes. Sharing with your neighbors or those in need shows the love of God more than one will ever know. Honesty is the best policy.

Well. Now that I’m older, I can look back at the tough times with relief. Relief that they’re over. I survived those anxiety filled moments of uncertainty. Oh. I’m well aware that I’m not out of the woods. Getting older has its own set of challenges. That’s what I hear. No one knows what tomorrow will bring.

But as I move toward old age, I want to show more grace to those who are in the midst of anxious times.  I want to extend mercy to those who have taken a misstep. I want to bend toward love when pointing the finger of accusation would be easier. 

As I get older, I find that I long for heaven. In the end, that’s where I plan to be. For eternity. All life’s troubles will be over. No more worries or regrets. I will be surrounded by love, peace and reward. I will be with God. 

Life is good.