Recently, I celebrated my birthday, which is very close to the biblical “three scores and ten”. I am thankful for this gift and grace, as few people have the privilege of living this long. As I journey through the seasons of ageing, walking this path unfolds with lessons that are both deep and humbling. This journey is less concerned with the physical manifestations of age and far more involved with the spiritual and emotional evolution accompanying this inevitable passage through time. In these years, filled with introspection and keen observation, several pivotal truths have gradually come to light—lessons that I am still learning, embracing, and striving to weave into the very fabric of my everyday life.
1. What Is Within My Control
One of the initial lessons that ageing bestows upon us is a clearer understanding of what lies within our control and what does not. Philippians 4:6-7 offers a deeply comforting perspective, advising us, "Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." This scripture teaches us to channel our energies not towards the relentless and often uncontrollable external circumstances but towards shaping our responses, attitudes, and faith.
Embracing this lesson has given me a deep sense of peace and purpose. It has shifted my focus towards being a vessel of love, compassion, and wisdom. Instead of being swayed by the impermanence and often superficial allure of material concerns, I strive to anchor myself in the constants of faith and the unchanging nature of God's love. This transition has been liberating and enlightening, offering a lens through which the world appears far less daunting and much more manageable.
This perspective encourages a proactive stance on life, emphasising cultivating inner tranquillity and resilience. It becomes a daily practice of discerning between what we can influence and what we must surrender to God. In doing so, we learn the art of letting go of the angst associated with trying to control the uncontrollable, instead investing our time and energy in areas where we can make a meaningful difference—starting with our heart and spirit.
Furthermore, this understanding fosters a deepened gratitude for the present moment and the myriad blessings often overlooked in our quest for control or perfection. It compels us to live more intentionally, to cherish each breath, each sunrise, and the beauty inherent in the simplicity of daily life. By focusing on what we can control, such as our mindset, our faith, and our reactions to the world around us, we open ourselves to a more fulfilling, peaceful, and joyous existence.
The lesson of discerning what is within our control is not just about relinquishing the unnecessary burdens of worry and anxiety. It is also about embracing a life led by faith, marked by a deep and abiding trust in God's plan and timing. It is a reminder that, while we may not control the external world, we have the power, through God's grace, to shape our inner world in a way that reflects His love, peace, and wisdom. This is a journey of continuous growth and learning, and I am grateful for every step that brings me closer to understanding and embodying this truth.
2. Seek and Accept Care and Support
As the years gracefully add to my life, I've come to confront an ingrained sense of pride that often made it difficult to reach out for help. It's a lesson deeply rooted in the wisdom of Ecclesiastes 4:9-10, which gently reminds us, "Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labour: If either of them falls down, one can help the other up. But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up." Reflecting on this, I've recognised the immense strength in admitting vulnerability, the bravery required to ask for support, and the profound beauty in the web of interdependence we all share.
Embracing the care and support of others has been a humbling journey. It's taught me that allowing others into my moments of need lightens my burdens and fortifies the connections that bind our community, reflecting the intricate and intentional interconnectedness crafted by God. This shift in perspective has been a poignant reminder of the divine intention behind our creation for companionship and support, dismantling the illusion of self-sufficiency that I, and perhaps many, have clung to.
3. Find Joy in the Small Moments
With the advancing years, I've found that my appreciation for the grandeur and extravagance of life has waned, giving way to a deeper, more profound joy in the simple, quiet moments. The words of Jesus in Matthew 6:28-29 resonate with me more than ever: "Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin, yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these." This scripture has been a guiding light, reminding me of the beauty and joy found in simplicity.
The joy in these small moments has become a treasure trove of daily blessings. A shared laugh with a loved one, the laughter of grandchildren, the serene quiet of the night before the world awakes, or the intricate dance of sunlight through leaves—these have grown into sources of immense happiness and contentment. This shift in focus has allowed me to embrace life's simple pleasures, discovering the vast richness hidden in what I once might have overlooked as mundane or insignificant.
In this ageing journey, I've learned to see the extraordinary in the ordinary, recognise God's presence in every facet of creation and understand that true joy often lies not in the grand achievements or possessions but in the subtle, fleeting moments that stitch our lives together. These lessons in seeking support and finding joy in simplicity have enriched my life and drawn me closer to the essence of living a life intertwined with the divine tapestry of humanity and nature.
4. Stay Informed
The wisdom of Proverbs 19:20, "Listen to advice and accept discipline, and at the end, you will be counted among the wise," has been a guiding principle in my journey through ageing. This journey has reinforced the understanding that ageing does not halt growth or learning. The world around us is constantly in flux, ever-evolving and expanding with new knowledge and insights. It's become increasingly clear that staying informed and adaptable is beneficial and essential.
Choosing to remain engaged with the world, to absorb wisdom from individuals both younger and older, and to actively seek out new learning opportunities has been a deliberate and rewarding endeavour. This commitment to continuous growth has added depth and richness to my life and empowered me to make valuable contributions to the conversations and lives around me. It's a process that fosters mutual understanding and bridges gaps between generations, allowing for a shared exchange of knowledge and experiences.
In this digital age, where information is abundant and access to knowledge is unprecedented, the challenge often lies in discerning the valuable from the transient. Yet, this pursuit of knowledge and understanding is a testament to our capacity for lifelong learning and our responsibility to ourselves and future generations to pass on a legacy of wisdom and discernment.
5. Embrace Your Inner Strength
Navigating the later years of life, with its inherent challenges and inevitable losses, will underscore our resilience. This strength often lies dormant until we are faced with adversity. The comforting words of Isaiah 40:31, "But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint," have been a source of immense solace and encouragement to me.
This passage has illuminated that our greatest strength often comes from beyond ourselves, rooted in a deep faith. Age has taught me the importance of leaning not on my understanding but on the unwavering strength and guidance of the divine. In moments of doubt or when faced with obstacles, this divine strength guides and sustains us, enabling us to overcome and persevere through trials that once seemed impossible.
Drawing on this inner wellspring of strength, cultivated through years of faith and reliance on divine providence, will enable me to face the vicissitudes of ageing with grace and courage. It's a reminder that our capacity to endure, to rise above, and to find joy in the journey is intrinsically linked to our willingness to trust in a power greater than ourselves. By embracing this divine strength, we are reminded of our resilience and the boundless capacity for renewal, regardless of the challenges that ageing may bring.
Conclusion
In reflecting on these lessons of ageing, I've come to understand that this journey is as much about unlearning as it is about learning. It involves shedding the layers of ego, expectation, and the allure of the temporal to forge a deeper, more meaningful connection with God, with others, and with the true essence of ourselves. This path is less about accumulating knowledge or material wealth and more about returning to the core of what it means to be human—a life profoundly marked by love, humility, and the grace of God.
As I navigate the later years of my life, I realise that many of the beliefs and attitudes I once held tightly have begun to loosen. This process of unlearning has opened my heart and mind to the simplicity and purity of faith, the strength found in vulnerability, and the beauty of a genuine community. It's a transformative experience that peels away the superficial layers of existence to reveal the fundamental truths of life and spirituality.
This ageing journey becomes a sacred pilgrimage back to the heart of what truly matters. It invites a reevaluation of our priorities, a rekindling of our spiritual enthusiasm, and a renewal of our commitment to live according to the enduring values of compassion, generosity, and steadfast faith in the goodness of God and His creation. Moreover, this process of unlearning and relearning, of shedding and embracing, illuminates the path to a deeper sense of peace and fulfilment. It teaches us the value of slowing down, savouring the moment, and appreciating the intricate tapestry of life with all its ebbs and flows. It encourages us to look beyond the surface, see the divine in the ordinary, and recognise all things' interconnectedness.
In essence, the lessons of ageing are gifts of wisdom and insight, beckoning us to embrace a life marked not by what we have acquired but by what we have learned to let go. They invite us to live with an open heart, cultivate gratitude and generosity, and walk humbly with God. This journey reminds us of the beauty of simplicity, the power of faith, and the enduring nature of love—the foundational pillars upon which a life of true meaning and purpose is built.
Thanks so much for sharing your precious lessons on aging gracefully Dr Alex! Belated Blessed Birthday! Many more blessed years ahead! :)
Great reminders - thank you for this