(November 11, 2023) Carol Round encourages to appreciate each new day…

‘Age isn’t a number, it’s an attitude.’

It’s the most famous quote about aging. Scientific evidence supports that. Researchers from Yale and Miami University agree that people who choose to see growing older as something positive live seven and a half years longer than those who don’t.

I will be 70 tomorrow. My mind cannot grasp that number, but my body says otherwise. Instead of complaining about my aches and pains, I choose to thank God for my health. I may not be able to do the things I used to, but I know God isn’t through with me yet.

Getting older can be challenging
As our bodies age, the things we were once able to do can be a challenge. Wasn’t it just yesterday that you could run up the stairs or give your grandchildren a piggyback ride?

Physically, we’re often unable to do those things we once enjoyed. Even then, God can still use us for His Kingdom.

I love His promises in scripture, especially Isaiah 46:4, ‘Even to your old age and grey hairs I am He, I am He who will sustain you. I have made you and I will carry you; I will sustain you and I will rescue you.’

Finding comfort in scripture
When I’m weary, I take heart in God’s promises. Reading and meditating on scripture gives me hope and strength. As I read scriptures like the following, I am renewed, refreshed, and ready for the day ahead.

• ‘Therefore, we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day’ (2 Corinthians 4:16).
• Psalms 73:26 renews my faith in God: ‘My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.’
• ‘They bear fruit in old age, they will stay fresh and green’ (Psalms 92:14) greatly encourages me!

A renewal of faith
Despite the changes that aging brings, the truth is getting older is a gift from God. Not everyone is given the gift of old age. I don’t consider 70 old. However, I am in awe of those in their 80s and 90s who continue working for the Lord, inspiring me and others not to give up or give in.

I recall what a church member in his late 70s told me when I retired from teaching. He said, ‘Carol, you won’t find retirement in the Bible. It’s called redirection.’ Jack lived to be over 90 and was still serving the Lord until his passing.

Whatever your age, God has a plan for your life. I’ve learned that having a good attitude, a sense of humour, and continuing to serve Him makes all the difference in enjoying each day on earth. Don’t count the candles on your cake. Instead, celebrate each day with grace and gratitude.

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Carol Round is an author and inspirational speaker. Carol’s encouraging articles have appeared in national and international publications and she especially loves hearing from readers, saying ‘I would consider it an honour if you feel led to share this post with others.’ 

Growing Confidently in Your Faith. Carol openly shares her own intimate journey in becoming more like Jesus, initially borne of pain, and now bathed in promise. (See: http://bit.ly/2LGOvKN).Links: A Matter of Faith weekly column: carol@carolaround.com / www.carolaround.com.
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