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Happy Birthday to Me!
I’m about to celebrate my birthday at the end of this month. No, not a milestone, but a decent number on the age scale! I’ve found myself really reflective this year as I’ve had to move my mom to an assisted living facility. It’s been a whirlwind of to-do’s getting her settled in along with handling her finances. We are also in the midst of planning our daughter’s wedding coming up at the end of this year. I’m full on living the sandwich generation life!
My mom has had a few adjustments in her new life. Coming to the realization that she now has physical limitations has been hard for her. Giving up driving did not come easily for her as it truly was her last bit of independence. However In true ‘Weezie”(my mom) style, she had her little pity party and has now embraced her new adventure! Making friends and crafting and learning how to Uber ! I’m so proud of her and her resilience. She doesn’t focus on what she’s lost, but is focusing on what she’s gained . She will be the first to tell you that her new beginning is an opportunity to be used by Jesus! Wow! I remember not so long ago having a conversation with her and her being so sad for her old neighbors and now she’s overjoyed at the possibility that she can impact twice as many people !
She’s already started planning her 85th birthday which is coming up in July ! She wants a big Celebration with her old and new friends. Imagine celebrating your birthday like you’re 10 years old again. Full of joy, excited for the year ahead, doing something you love with the ones who make you smile.
Why do so many of us stop celebrating as the years pass? Birthdays come and go – maybe there’s a dinner involved, a few cards, some well wishes online. We move up one number, and it’s business as usual. What would it look like to really celebrate our years again – to begin shifting our focus from the fear of aging, to the rich, full lives God is calling us into as the years pass?
But what does God say about it all? If we listen to the One who created us, we will hear all about grace and goodness; not fear and resistance.
He reminds us more than once in His Word that growing older is an honor. “Gray hair is a glorious crown…” Proverbs 16:31 CSB.
The more years we live, the more experiences we’re given to learn from, and the more wisdom and perspective we gain to see life in new and beautiful ways. When we see someone in their later years (or when we look in the mirror and it’s us!) let’s remember what a gift that is.
Some of us also fear growing older for physical reasons. Aging is often seen as a loss of control. Maybe our bodies aren’t able to do what they once could; our memories aren’t as sharp; we begin to need more help than we used to. As the years pass, our fear of the unknown may grow stronger.
But the truth is, we’ve never been in control anyway! From the moment we were created – whether we’ve realized it or not – we’ve relied on our Creator for every breath. Growing older helps us to shed that illusion of control more and more, and to rest in the promises of our loving God. Whether we’re 9 or 90, He vows to be with us every step of the way:
“I will be the same until your old age, and I will bear you up when you turn gray. I have made you, and I will carry you; I will bear and rescue you.” (Isaiah 46:4 CSB)
Celebrate Life Every Day – Whether you’re celebrating your birthday or that of someone you love, remember that every day in every life matters. Don’t wait for a milestone to make it extra special. Look in the mirror and cherish your laugh lines; remember how they are created.