Aging with Grace, what does that mean? Can you age without Grace? What is aging? Is aging and getting old the same? What is Grace?
Here are the most common definitions of “aging and old.”
AGING – the process of growing old.
OLD – having lived for a long time; no longer young.
Note: Having lived a long time or no longer young is relative.
I think the phrase growing old, as used in our present culture, seems to have certain unpleasant or negative connotations. Therefore, I prefer saying, “growing older or as I mature.”
For those of us still growing, that can be at whatever age. As we grow older, we may have thoughts or feelings of fearfulness, no purpose, discontentment, or becoming burdensome. We do not have to be distressed as we age. There is a Promise, an assurance that God has given us about His Grace.
“[Growing in Grace] they will still thrive and bear fruit and prosper in old age; They will flourish and be vital
(vigorous, bubbly, essential) and fresh [rich in trust and love and contentment (fulfillment, enjoyment)];” (Ps.92:14)
The GRACE of God
When we use the phrase aging gracefully, we may think of one sitting in a rocking chair, watching other people move about, or constantly talking about the “good old days” and what they used to do! But God says we can continually grow in His Grace. And that Grace will empower us and cause us to see ourselves as He sees us, regardless of age. We can always be fit for His use.
GRACE IS A Gift A Gift that will provide and maintain attractiveness, elegance, confidence, and other desirable characteristics as we mature with age.
Our buying and use of creams, lotions, cosmetics, wearing specific clothing, surgeries, etc., to help us age gracefully can’t compare nor outshine the results of The Grace of God.
GRACE EMPOWERS YOU
“Who (Jesus) satisfies your mouth [your necessity and desire at your age and situation] with good so that your youth, renewed, is like the eagle’s [strong, overcoming, soaring]!” (Ps. 103:5)
PERSPECTIVE
“I’ll reward him with many good years on this earth and let him witness My salvation.” (Ps. 91:16)
I asked a dear friend, since we’re both over 50 (I hope you don’t mind me telling that dear friend! :)) what she thought about aging. She said she didn’t.
Here are a few reasons: she is secure in knowing God’s love for her, she knows her usefulness and value, she sees herself as vital and not weak, she knows she has a God-given purpose for living, and she is pursuing it!
“Age is something that doesn’t matter unless you are a cheese.” – Luis Bunuel.
Some of us may never appear in Vogue, Sports Illustrated (swimsuit edition), or walk a catwalk at any age. But Grace empowers us to live our best life, regardless of age or platform.
AGING IS A PROCESS
It seems like life nowadays at almost any age brings all kinds of new challenges. But even if you’re the age of 12 or any number between that and 112, God’s Grace is available for us through the aging process and helps us reach our next milestone. Aging is a gift, just like Grace, and we should embrace and celebrate it.
As part of the scripture in Ecclesiastes 1:9 says, “…there is nothing new under the sun.” So it is with this post, but I hope it will encourage and remind you that “you are a valuable human being” regardless of your status or age. God immensely loves you, and you are important to Him.
With God’s Grace and Love,
Jacqui
