Aging with Wisdom
Recently I turned twenty. It’s the first birthday that I've ever felt negatively towards. I realized that my feelings had shifted from being excited and happy to grow older, to worrying and having a slight fear of aging. There's something about not having a ‘teen’ in my age anymore that scared me. However, I decided to still go out and make my birthday special. I wonder what would change if we started celebrating age like we did when we were nine.
The longer we are alive, the more experience and wisdom we gain. Our views change and we see life in new ways. I think that's a beautiful gift that absolutely deserves to be celebrated. God reminds us that aging is an honor: “Gray hair is a glorious crown, it is found in the ways of righteousness,” Proverbs 16:31. God treasures us at every age and as we get older, we’re called to pass our self control, kindness, and nurture down to those younger than us. When speaking about older women God says “They are to teach what is good” Titus 2:3
We can lean into God as we age. If you feel afraid or worried about aging and how you spend your time, you can find specific promises in the word that can bring you peace. “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. God has a plan for each one of us and that plan doesn’t end just because we get older.
For me, this birthday has inspired me to learn more and experience as much as I can despite what season of life I’m in. We’re always changing and growing; don’t wait for a milestone to feel special. Celebrate life daily, every day and year we’re given is a gift from God.