With all of our imperfections, we begin and end each day at the foot of the cross. It is here where our story begins and we pray it is where it will end. "Jesus said: Come to me, all you who labor and are burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am meek and humble of heart; and you will find rest for yourselves. For my yoke is easy, and my burden light." ~Matthew 11:28-30~
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Sunday, July 28, 2013
Is It Possible To Age With Grace?
This topic is heavy on my mind and heart lately. As I inch closer to the half century mark, I see the physical changes and I feel them more than ever. Aging is not for wimps. Sometimes I catch a glimpse of myself in a passing mirror and I barely recognize the woman I see. Who is that stranger in my reflection, being pulled down by gravity? Then there's the aches and pains that markedly increase and good health is a consuming prayer. I certainly can't keep up with the myriad of activity that I used to. I'm forgetful. Now, where was I? Need I say more? Heaven help me, I don't want to be one of those who complains, I just want to learn how to age with grace...Is this possible? How do I come to terms with myself and live in this strange skin that is quickly consuming me? Lord, please teach me.
One of our family outings this summer was a beautiful hike to the resting place of some of the largest trees in the world, hence the name Big Trees State Park:) Visitors can't help but be fascinated by the majestic size of these ancient beasts. These giant sequoias stand out, yes, because of their age. They stretch up to lengths of 300 feet high and 25-30 feet around in diameter. They increase in beauty and character, all the more seasoned with age. They are said to be thousands of years old, by the way!
I want to be like that! I know it might be silly to say that I want to age like a tree but what a good example that God gives us, right? It reminds me not to conform but to be transformed...
Deeply rooted in the dignity of who we are, strengthening and stretching our souls for heaven, we can find peace among His wise wonders. The natural world reigns grace, unlike the media and the images that consume us in the unnatural world. We can learn so much from His marvelous works.
If trees can age gracefully, how can we not? We, who were made in His image and likeness...Were we not created to receive grace? Bloom where we are planted? You are God's handiwork and you are beautiful, especially the closer you get to Him a long the way, with each passing day.
And so the journey continues and I'm reminded to keep my face to the Son. The fresh air is the best aging serum I can find on the outside. Together with the Eucharist, the bread of life that strengthens the inside, I am feeling hopeful, inspired, renewed in spirit, ready to age as God calls me to.
Yes, I do believe it's possible:) "With God, all things are possible." ~Matthew 19:26~
Tiffany, I can certainly relate to the aging....yes, with grace, that's the right way to do it! Love the pictures! What an amazing place this must be!!!
Hi Anne~ Thanks for popping over. This State park WAS truly amazing! I put myself on the mailing list to be notified when the leaves and Fall colors appear. Can't wait!
Beautiful reflection, Tiffany! I am right there with you too {same age too I believe}. All of a sudden in the past two years physically things have been changing, but, I am doing my best to take it with grace and have faith and realize that some things will not be the same as they have been, but, for the most part things are fine. I do notice little changes here and there like you mentioned, but, the interesting thing is being so busy with my boys I don't have time {or energy} to really focus on it. Those trees are absolutely gorgeous! What a wonderful trip that must have been for you all! We can lift each other up with prayer to age gracefully :-)
Agreeing with Ann-Marie...a very beautiful reflection you have here! I turn the big five-O this year and I'm praying for grace. God's grace to your days...
Beautiful thoughts and prayerful contemplation!! This has been on my mind lately. I even realized not too long ago that I am a year older than what I thought I was! Lol. Not sure if that was age or denial :). Glad to know others ponder the exact thoughts on their hearts as well.
I sure hope so. That was my first thought when I read the title of your post. Lovely reflection, Tiffany. I am in my 30s but that doesn't mean I don't think about aging. When I do though, I look to those women I have known that are beautiful, older women and I remember that they smiled, they loved, they listened. I want to be like that.
My first answer to your question was "No!" but you know I am always praying for grace. It gets difficult with aches and pains and other serious health issues. But we must remember that to see the face of God we must be like a child. "Truly, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven." So we must raise hands to Our Father like a little child holds up his hands to be carried. We must become small and helpless, and boy some days don't I, and say "Without You I am nothing. Come and help me Father."
Well said. As always! I am working on these same ponderings. As little people enter my life right now, I wonder how long will my strength hold- I know what I want to be to my children and grandchildren, but I know God has His own plans. The best I can do right now is to eat as well as I can, get out often, and (like you said) go to mass!! What a difference the sacraments make!!
I want to be like that! I know it might be silly to say that I want to age like a tree but what a good example that God gives us, right? It reminds me not to conform but to be transformed...
Deeply rooted in the dignity of who we are, strengthening and stretching our souls for heaven, we can find peace among His wise wonders. The natural world reigns grace, unlike the media and the images that consume us in the unnatural world.
Tiffany, I can certainly relate to the aging....yes, with grace, that's the right way to do it! Love the pictures! What an amazing place this must be!!!
ReplyDeleteHi Anne~ Thanks for popping over. This State park WAS truly amazing! I put myself on the mailing list to be notified when the leaves and Fall colors appear. Can't wait!
DeleteBeautiful reflection, Tiffany! I am right there with you too {same age too I believe}. All of a sudden in the past two years physically things have been changing, but, I am doing my best to take it with grace and have faith and realize that some things will not be the same as they have been, but, for the most part things are fine. I do notice little changes here and there like you mentioned, but, the interesting thing is being so busy with my boys I don't have time {or energy} to really focus on it. Those trees are absolutely gorgeous! What a wonderful trip that must have been for you all! We can lift each other up with prayer to age gracefully :-)
ReplyDeleteSounds like a deal, Ann-Marie!
DeleteAgreeing with Ann-Marie...a very beautiful reflection you have here!
ReplyDeleteI turn the big five-O this year and I'm praying for grace.
God's grace to your days...
Thank you for stopping by, Valerie! I'll be praying for you to have a "grace"ful transition into the big
Deletefive-O:)
Beautiful thoughts and prayerful contemplation!! This has been on my mind lately. I even realized not too long ago that I am a year older than what I thought I was! Lol. Not sure if that was age or denial :). Glad to know others ponder the exact thoughts on their hearts as well.
ReplyDeleteYes, it is comforting knowing we are not alone. Thanks for sharing the journey, my friend!
DeleteI sure hope so. That was my first thought when I read the title of your post. Lovely reflection, Tiffany. I am in my 30s but that doesn't mean I don't think about aging. When I do though, I look to those women I have known that are beautiful, older women and I remember that they smiled, they loved, they listened. I want to be like that.
ReplyDeleteI want to be like that too, Nicole:)
DeleteMy first answer to your question was "No!" but you know I am always praying for grace. It gets difficult with aches and pains and other serious health issues. But we must remember that to see the face of God we must be like a child. "Truly, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven." So we must raise hands to Our Father like a little child holds up his hands to be carried. We must become small and helpless, and boy some days don't I, and say "Without You I am nothing. Come and help me Father."
ReplyDeleteThat is SO true, Barbara~Amen!
DeleteWell said. As always! I am working on these same ponderings. As little people enter my life right now, I wonder how long will my strength hold- I know what I want to be to my children and grandchildren, but I know God has His own plans. The best I can do right now is to eat as well as I can, get out often, and (like you said) go to mass!! What a difference the sacraments make!!
ReplyDelete