Growing old... and other JOYS!

Jul 28, 2009

Leonard wrote previously about some of the pains, or passages of growing older.  I agree, getting old IS painful at times. Just admitting that some things will never be the same again is hard, but it is part of life and we must face and accept these changes.
 
But I’d like to take a look at some of the wonderful joys of growing older.  I had an interesting conversation last night with some ladies and my thoughts started ‘circulating’ around the joys of aging.  It also didn’t hurt that I just had another birthday and with that comes reflection and some thought about this ‘getting older’ thing!  Our conversation steered towards what does it really mean to ‘leave home’ or have children leaving home? What about leaving the past, familiarity, parents or children, for the sake of the kingdom and then reaping many times in this age and the age to come??
 
I won’t say I’m an expert in the field of ‘leaving’ but I have done it many times and wondered is it really worth it?  First leaving Canada and everything familiar, as a newly married young lady (very young J) for Tanzania, moving later on in life to South Africa where we didn’t know one soul, leaving our great life and friends in Tanzania behind.  And now in the normal phase of life, where children begin leaving or have left home…have I received many times in this age??  And I must shout a resounding YES!!
 
I HAVE received in this life so much, by just following Jesus wherever he has led us as a family.  I’ve received amazing adventures following God’s voice by faith, even if it seemed absolutely crazy. I’ve made so many wonderful, true friends that have become like family over the years. To see your children following hard after God is one of the greatest joys as a parent! I’ve experienced sights and sounds on this earth that I never would have, had I not been obedient.  My world view has been blasted and transformed by God, people, different cultures, spiritual times overlooking stunning views that I never would have experienced had I ‘played it safe’. Is there a price?  Yes, definitely, but all cost pales in the face of what we gain by following Christ!!  
 
There is pure joy in growing old (along with a couple of aches and pains…), looking back and seeing the amazing walk you’ve had with Christ and the wonderful friends he’s brought along your pathway. The moments of pure delight in His presence whether alone, with our children, or our church family are moments we will carry with us I believe, even into eternity.
 
“I tell you the truth,” Jesus said to them, “no one who has left home or wife or brothers or parents or children for the sake of the kingdom of God will fail to receive many times as much in this age and, in the age to come, eternal life.”  Luke 18:29 & 30 (NIV)
 
I encourage you to grow to maturity in Christ joyfully, there is NO better life!!
 
Enjoying the Journey,
 
Lorie