My two younger sons think I'm ancient.
Just last night at the dinner table they were talking about people who are "as old as forty" as if these people were beyond the age of life enjoyment. Then they suddenly looked at me and started laughing, one of them said "sucks for you mom" (I'm 49 yrs old). Since we live in a culture that seems to practically worship youth, it's easy for the boys to think this way. Plus there's that invincible feeling that comes with youth, coupled with that experiencing things for the first time rush.
Today I find myself thinking about the fact that I'm happier than I've ever been in my life. So I decided to take a few moments and list out some of what I like about being older:
I'm more secure in who I am
I've noticed that from about age forty on, I've become more content with who I am. There's this feeling of self acceptance that I didn't experience when I was in my 20s and 30s. I was still trying to prove myself during those times of my life. Of course this can't be totally chalked up to age since there are many factors that account for this, but I do think years and experience play a major role.
Material things have less allure than ever
It's not like I've ever been a particularly materialistic person, but I find that the older I get the less and less I care about stuff.
It's easier for me to not be so hard on people
This is most likely because I've had so many years of messing up myself that I hardly feel qualified to be pointing any fingers at anyone else. Jesus once said that one who has been forgiven much loves much .
Making decisions and taking care of things is easier
Simply because I have a larger experience base, and more knowledge to draw from, when making decisions and dealing with people.
I'm more relaxed in my approach to life
I've seen good times come and go. I've been through the crisis in relationships and out the other side; so I have more confidence that I can do that again. I've had opportunity upon opportunity upon opportunity to see God come through for me, so it's easier to rest in the fact that I can always count on Him.
What about you? If you're over age 40 - what do you like about it? If you're younger, how do you feel about getting older?
11 comments:
I'm definately torn about getting older, even though I'm still young. I see the value in being older as a pastor. People have a hard time listening to a young'in tell them what they should be doing.
Matt - Although I'm quite content and enjoy my current age; I wouldn't want to have skipped any of the years that brought me here. Every age has it's blessings and challenges - so I want to enjoy the blessings at every stage.
As far as people who have a hard time listening to young'ins; I've 3 thoughts:
1 - Those same folks may very well have a hard time listening to an older person as well. They most likely just don't like to listen to anyone.
2 - Paul was quite clear when he told Timothy to not to let anyone look down on him because of his youth (1 Timothy 4:12).
3 - God will use the heart rendered to him at all ages.
I definitely do NOT want to be young again. I am happy in my 40's.
Blessings, andrea
Age really doesn't bother me. I'll be 31 in January. The past decade has been so amazing and 20-30 really has shaped who I am. In 10 more years, I may say the same thing.
My content days come and go; whether it be about materials, myself, whatever. I do know that I wish I wasn't so hard on people. It's an internalized thing, so they don't know; but I do it and it causes unrest. I wish I could be more humble as a Christian and rest in God's sovereignty over all things. I wouldn't get my undies in a bunch about some people's ignorance and realize my own weaknesses as a believer. (This maybe a generation problem...we know it all mentality.)
I'm in my early 40's and like you, I'm happy and the lesser I have, the happier I am. My focus is changing more for those non-material things. Not that I am not a contented person. Knowing that we are not as young, helps me to rely more on the Lord's strength. The beauty truly comes from within. And going through life's trials polishes us the more. God bless.
I turned 46 in november, and I am fine with that.
With age comes wisdom, you're right.. I am more confident in my own skin too. Good post.
Thank you for stopping by.
BM
I'm 41. I like being where I'm at and look forward to the future.
I'm only 38 but I agree with everything you said.
Age is only really a state of mind. One can be ancient but if one feels young at heart, one is only as old as he or she wants to be.
It is when the ancient body says " Hold ther buddy! You ain't that young any more." then revolts is when one might feel their real age.
Abe Hoffmn once said as a young lad in the 60s or 70s, "Don't trust any body over 30." I wonder what he did after he hit 30?
Being older tht dirt, does have its advantages and disadvantages though.
Hi Tracy,
I like the things that you have listed about being older. I'm 54 and I'm very comfortable in my skin now, have never been materialistic, and enjoy the simplest things in life.
Loved this post.
Blessings,
Alleluiabelle
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