Growing older

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Most of us think of old age with a sense of fear. We associate old age with the rapid decline of physical health. We entertain thoughts of nursing homes. It could mean dependence on younger people to get our day to day tasks done. It could mean loss of youth, good looks, our bodies, vibrant lives. 

There is nothing attractive about old age. And no one wants to grow old. And then, we have the mad rush to reverse the effects of aging- from breast implants to tummy tucks to botox and what not. Media certainly doesn't portray old age with any dignity.

On a more subtle level, masking age by coloring hair, dressing young, lying about age, hanging out with young and hip people. I find myself increasingly getting uncomfortable about my grey hair and wanting to not reveal my age and so on.

All of which, ultimately cannot take away from the fact that we all grow old. We may choose to not accept it. We may choose to stay young using all we can, for as long as possible. The choice however, is to grow old gracefully, or drudgingly and pathetically.

The bible is full of examples of people who aged gracefully. Who became stronger in faith and wisdom with every passing year. Of people, who were looked upon, revered and trusted to lead the younger people. 

Moses, at the age of 120 giving forceful, vigorous speeches, drawing people to God. Joshua, as he addressed the elders of Israel with conviction of purpose. Paul, as graceful and eloquent, even when faced with death. Peter aging gracefully, as an elder, as a leader.

"When grace is joined with wrinkles, it is adorable. There is an unspeakable dawn in happy, old age". - Victor Hugo

Old age, need not be about bitterness. It could be about people not ridden by the same doubts and insecurities that younger people have. It could be about people who are joyful, who have lived their lives experiencing God's grace and are now willing to share it with others. Old age, need not be about competitiveness or keeping up with the Joneses. It can be about the quiet assurance. It can be about dignity. It can be about a life well lived. It could be about people who have finally learned to accept themselves, the way only God can. 

There is something unmistakably precious about a joyful, old person. They have the light and aura about them, which draws people to learn more about them. 

Help us Father, to age gracefully.

“Gray hair is a crown of splendor; it is attained by a righteous 
life.” - Prov 16:31
( A righteous life, -  is attained by faith. By being in the right relationship with God. It is not about doing or being right, in our own eyes. Abraham had faith, and it was credited to him as righteousness.)

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