That will be me one day with the wrinkles and the gray hair rocking in my wooden rocking chair. All chaotic comings and goings of my life will gradually fall silent and I will have the time to sit in a rocking chair and simply be. What a beautiful image that thought conjures up in my imagination.
However, most of us don’t age so gracefully accepting that we have to slow down, give up the car keys, move into an assisted living arrangement or relinquish some control over factors or our lives that were once private. Aging can be a process of losing one’s independence and learning how to depend on those we raised, it can be difficult and trying. It can also be lonely if that one person you planned to spend your life with has already gone before you.
You see, the only constant in this life is change. If we do not adapt to the changes of life we are indeed stuck, frustrated, disappointed and just plain unsatisfied.
So how does one age gracefully and accept the gradual changes of life? Having less expectations of what the future will look like will help especially if nothing turns out as you planned. Not to say, we should not have goals and a vision for the future but we must also be able to adjust to the changes. Acceptance is key to the process; accepting help, kindness, love and a new way of life. Learning to trust in God, confide in Him with your concerns and leaning on Him may help to keep you centered.
I know that as I age I will fight losing so much, my strong healthy body will be worn down and the tasks I do today I will not be able to do then. I have been told time and time again “Lori, enjoy your youth; appreciate where you are right now because it will not last forever.” So in this moment in time I must embrace my many blessings and live life to the fullest all the while learning how to adapt, accept and lean on God for now and the future when I find myself sitting in that rocking chair.
You must have been thinking of someone when you wrote this. : ) As my 46th bday approaches, this is definitely food for thought!!
I know this is easier written than lived out. As I see my mother struggle with these very real challenges. As the elderly can sometimes seem cantankerous and grumpy it is always good to remember why they may be that way. May we grow old gracefully thanking Him for all His blessings.
Thank you for sharing your this. Have a blessed day!
Are you watching the national news this week, Lori? They’re doing a whole series on aging parents!
Just this week my boys commented on my ‘old’ hair and its wily ways. LOL I turned 40 this past December, and am loving this moment in my life. Thanks for the great words and remembering to enjoy this seaons while looking to lean on Him. Happy Friday! Visiting from GatherInspirit. 🙂