“The changes somehow frighten me but still I have to smile. It turns me on to think I’m growing old.” “Poems Prayers and Promises” John Denver’

There is a graceful ambiance surrounding those who have made their peace with aging. A humble acceptance of God’s designs promotes such maturity. There is as much beauty in the autumn and winter years of life as in the spring and summer. It is an honor to live long, to see gray mist settle upon one’s beard and brow. As it is said by one poet, “Grow old with me! The best is yet to be.”

“Even to your old age I am he, and to gray hairs I will carry you.” Is.46.4 Conversations Within” ts 1/11/2020

“You have to embrace getting older.” Meryl Streep

There is joy when we learn to age with grace. A gentle acceptance bows to this wisdom of God that is expressed in our fallen world. Growing old is more than the way of it, it is the best way God has found to deal with a world of people out of sync in order to get us all back on the same page. Age has its beauty as well as its pains.

“Gray hair is a crown of glory; it is gained in a righteous life.” Prov.16.31 “Conversations Within” ts 1/10/2020

“Live long and prosper.” Vulcan Salutation

We ordinarily consider a long life as a desired blessing. I think God would have us think so as well, even though His son Jesus only lived into His early thirties. God has special assignments for some that involve a shorter stay in this place. But on the whole I think we should seek the blessings of growing old and see it as a gift from His hand. In any case, embrace the life you have right now, and use your time in this place wisely. Life is too precious to waste.

"With a long life I will satisfy him And let him see My salvation." Ps.91.16 “Conversations Within” ts 1/9/2020

“The Lord has appointed the day for my death. I need not concern myself with that, only that I am ready when He comes for me.” Stonewall Jackson

There is an appointed day for each of us. If I know anything about my Father, He has already made provision for it. My departure from this place will not take Him by surprise nor will I find His grace lacking when the moment comes. I too do not want to be caught unaware when the moment arrives. Travel with your bags packed--your affairs in order, ready to depart when the call comes and the Son’s light touches your face. 

“And in Your book were all written The days that were ordained for me, When as yet there was not one of them.” Ps.139.16  “Conversations Within” ts 1/7/2020

What good is existence if it is not life?

It is not so much the number of years that we achieve, as it is the quality of life in them. Both are the gift of God. The question is how to open these precious gifts? Well, accept them of course by accepting Him into your life. C. S. Lewis put it this way. “Once a man is united to God, how could he not live forever?” God invites us to life by inviting us into partnership with Him. We accept His invitation to embrace the joy of life this very moment and into the next.

“The gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.” Rom.6 “Conversations Within” ts 1/7/2020