When I Grow Old...

I have been reflecting alot these past few weeks on old-age.  If we are blessed, most of us will live long enough to experience the process of growing old.  And, if we are lucky, some of us may be able to hide the fact that we are aging a little better than others!  But regardless, eventually our hair will turn to various shades of gray,  our hearing will fade and our eyesight will dim.  Our skin will thin and wrinkle, and we will be able to tell the weather forecast based on what is aching on our bodies that day. 

I do believe, however, that there is a difference between aging, and allowing yourself to get old.  Aging is the natural process the body (and sometimes the mind) will take.  Everyone, if we are blessed to live that long will eventually age. But while everyone will age, not everyone has to get old.  Getting old, in my opinion, is what you let happen in your heart.  When you stop living your life, and switch instead to merely existing.  When your "I hope so's" and your "maybe's" turn into "never's" and "if-only's."  When you stop thinking about all you can do, and instead only focus on what you now can't do.

So, in light of some recent observations of what can happen to one who chooses to let their heart get old, I decided to write a little note to my future elderly self.  Hopefully it can serve as a reminder to me that life is wonderful and worth living, no matter what stage of life you currently find yourself in.

       Dear elderly self,

Please don't assume you know everything, merely because you have lived a long life.  Learning is a continuous process.  Wisdom is not measured by years alone.

If you get a chance to be outdoors, do it!  Enjoy the soft, cool breeze, and the sunshine on your skin. Marvel at the miraculous creations of the Lord. Never stop seeing the beauty that is around you.

Take the time to actually be with your family.  More than just being in the same room as they are: Know them, love them,  laugh with them, interact with them.

LISTEN to what others have to say.  They are trying to do what is best for you , because they LOVE you.

Don't ever stop doing what you love.  Sure, it might take you a little longer, or require a little more energy than it used to, but please please PLEASE don't quit.   Keep doing those things that will put a smile on your face.

Remember to laugh, and to smile.  Life isn't as dreary or as hopeless as you may think.  Wallowing never brings you anything, other than misery.

Surround yourself with those you love, and hug them often.  Life is too short to waste on hurtful words and hateful hearts.  Forgive easily, and remember that no one is perfect, including you!

Most of all, remember to LIVE.    Life was meant to be enjoyed, and you are still on this earth for a reason.  Embrace the time you have left, and look forward to the future.

                                                                            Sincerely,  ME.