As we get older, our bodies tend to deteriorate over time, sometimes gradually and other times more quickly. Our hearing and eyesight are not what they once were, our bodies don’t bounce back from injuries like when we were in our 20’s, and even our appearance changes with graying and receding hair and wrinkles getting more noticeable. Despite our attempts to feel and appear young, each year we are reminded that we are trending upward with each birthday. Birthdays are super fun around here with kids under 10 years old, but we tend to lose some excitement once we hit 25 or so. Even if our physical abilities decline with age, hopefully other things improve, like wisdom and knowledge, bus as we may observe that this is not always the case. What things have you noticed change the most as you get older?
Yet you do not know what tomorrow will bring. What is your life? For you are a mist that appears for a little time and then vanishes. James 4:14
I’ve notice over the past couple of years that my eyesight is not quite what it used to be. Fortunately, I’ve never worn glasses, but lately when trying to read small print or text in low light, I’ve struggled. I bought a cheap pair of the lowest power reading glasses and was amazed at how much it helped. I even went in for an eye test last year, at my wife’s request, and they said ‘your eyes tend to change as we get older, so that is pretty normal.’ So I just stick to reading glasses when I need them. Its still a reminder though, along with other aches and pains that come and go, that my body has its limits and I won’t be the same forever, at least here on earth. What things remind you of your own mortality?
And just as it is appointed for man to die once, and after that comes judgment, Hebrews 9:27
Despite our inevitable dance toward death, we can still make each day meaningful and count toward something more than just another paycheck or number on our tombstone. My grandfather lived to be 93 years old, and when I was younger I thought, well maybe that’s how long I have. But as I get older and see more of the fallenness of the world around me, I realize that no day is guaranteed, and in fact tomorrow isn’t for certain. So, appreciate each day we are given and make it count not just for you, but for those around you as well. Give thanks to God for the life you have been given and seek to make each tomorrow a blessing to those around you!
A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another. John 13:34-35
Yours in Christ,
Clark
