Through some different circumstances going on right now, I've really been thinking a lot about growing old. To be honest, it's easy to think "it won't happen to me!". It seems like I'll be "young" forever and I sometimes forget that people who have grown "old" were once young and probably thinking "I'll never grow old!". I see some elderly people and see the ways their bodies and minds are failing them and it's a reality check that I'm not invincible; I won't be here forever. I have no guarantee that my body won't fail me or that my mind will always be sharp (of course, I have to add, that's really open for discussion right now!). My days in this body, on this earth are limited and numbered and will quickly pass, and there's absolutely nothing I can do about it. It's a reminder of the Lord's control and reign and my dependence on Him. I must trust Him for my future, that He'll be faithful and His grace will be sufficient to carry me through whatever comes; that His love and care and presence will never fail, and eventually I, along with all those throughout all the ages who have trusted Christ, will be clothed with a perfect body that will never die. This life is temporary.
All this thinking about growing old also reminds me to care for those around me who are in their "golden years". I see that I, too, will most likely one day have to depend on other people to care for me and will long for the company of people coming to visit. It makes me want to care for them right now, knowing that I'll be grateful to anyone who would do the same for me in 50 years. There's also so much to learn! The older generation are living history books! I recently spent some time with an elderly couple from my church and found out that he drove a jeep off of the boat and onto the beach of Normandy on D-Day! How amazing! He is a living part of history.
Of course, my Grandma Davis' approaching 90th birthday has gotten me thinking quite a bit. I'm excited to go celebrate with her, and VERY excited to honor her with the scrapbook of 90 memories of her (thanks to my super-talented cousin, Amy, who is going to put it together!!!). It also makes me think of what my life will be like if I make it to 90 years old. I do not know, but I will cling to this promise:
"My health may fail, and my spirit may grow weak, but God remains the strength of my heart; He is mine forever." Psalm 73:26
11 comments:
Having a mom who's a young 90, and grandpas who lived into their 90s, I sometimes assume that my siblings and I will do the same, and I don't consider myself old. Of course, I also realize that my grandmothers and dad died young, so we never know. Would you want to know how long you have to live? Sometimes I have to remind myself to celebrate each day, even next Jan. 3!
Another awesome, thought provoking blog entry Jessica. I agree with your mom....I really like to think that my family and I are going to live well into our 90s (my great grandma even lived to be 100+), but that's not a realistic assumption to make. There are times when I would love to just freeze time and keep my family the age they are, especially my kids. I've learned over the last few years with Chris' grandparents just how hard it is to watch people grow older. We've learned to treasure every moment and listen to their awesome stories and just spend time with them so there are no regrets.
LOve the photo of you and Grandma...and can't wait to read everyone's memory lists!!
Right on, right on.
You said it.
And yeah, we will definitely live into our 90's, I'm sure of it. It's in the jeans, girls, so get used to being here for a loooong time. (I refuse to think any other way!)
And yes, I meant to spell "jeans" that way. :)
It sounds like the grandkids are planning a very special 90th birthday present. great idea!
Aunt Barb
Before I even read that entry, seeing the picture brought tears to my eyes. (Ok, so everything does right now with pregnancy hormones, but still...) I will miss both my grandmothers' big celebrations this year - 85 and 90 - and it hurts to know I'm not around to see them often. I just never know how much longer I'll have to see them, and being far away gets hard. But seeing that photo makes me know that next time I see them both, I need a photo like that -just me and grandmas. Even if I am big and pregnant at the time.
I used to be the eternal optimist since I had so many great grandparents live to be so old! Scott is the opposite since he lost so many family members so young! But after getting sick last year, and losing a friend at work to a drunk driver suddenly a few years ago, I live life a little bit fuller now!
FINALLY! I think I figured out how to comment on your blog. For some reason I haven't been able to until now. SO.....Hi friend!
I LOVE that photo!
jess....I read your blog. I like it. I am thrilled to hear of your steps in this journey called life with Jesus. Wow!! Poland for 2 years.
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