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AGEING GRACEFULLY

Job 12:12 Wisdom is with the aged, and understanding in length of days. I would never trade my amazing friends, my wonderful life, my loving family for less gray hair or a flatter belly. As I've aged, I've become kinder to myself, and less critical of myself. I've become my own friend. I don't chide myself for eating that extra cookie, or for not making my bed. I am entitled to a treat. I have seen too many dear friends leave this world too soon; before they understood the great freedom that comes with aging.  Whose business is it if I choose to read or play on the computer until 4 AM and sleep until noon? I will dance with myself to those wonderful tunes of the 60 &70's, and if I, at the same time, wish to weep over a lost love ... I will. I will walk the beach, and will dive into the waves with abandon if I choose to, despite the pitying glances from the jet set. They, too, will get old. I know I am sometimes forgetful. But there again, some of life is just as well forgotten. And I eventually remember the important things. Sure, over the years my heart has been broken. How can your heart not break when you lose a loved one, or when a child suffers, or even when somebody's beloved pet gets hit by a car? But broken hearts are what give us strength and understanding and compassion. A heart never broken is pristine and sterile and will never know the joy of being imperfect to be perfected by God. I am so blessed to have lived long enough to have my hair turning gray, and to have my youthful laughs be forever etched into deep grooves on my face. So many have never laughed, and so many have died before their hair could turn silver. As you get older, it is easier to be positive. You care less about what other people think. I don't question myself anymore. I've even earned the right to be wrong. So, to answer your question, I like being old. It has set me free. I like the person I have become. I am not going to live forever ON EARTH, but while I am still here, I will not waste time lamenting what could have been, or worrying about what will be. Proverbs 16:31 The silver-haired head is a crown of glory, If it is found in the way of righteousness. MAY OUR FRIENDSHIP NEVER COME APART, ESPECIALLY WHEN IT'S STRAIGHT FROM THE HEART!
 
 
In November our tract focuses on aging. When we see those around us who have aged gracefully in the kind of lives they have led and those they still live, we must draw inspiration and lay our own foundation against our future legacies. Remember that you only have one shot at life, so live it to the fullest and age gracefully. May God grant us long life in Jesus name, amen.

Osato
November, 2012

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