Aging With Grace

I wrote this last year, but for some reason, didn't publish. A pandemic, possibly? For whatever reason, here it is. Maybe someone needs to be told that you are enough at whatever age you are presently. I think most women struggle with aging, and yet, these are wonderful years. The joy of watching my children flourish, find their forever mate, and make their way in the world is priceless. Spending quality time with my husband, treasured. I'm not changing any of the wording, even though it's a year later. 

I began a new decade with my last birthday. Writing those words takes my breath, and yet I’m thankful to be among the living. What is it about a number that causes us to flinch and cower, and offer apologies for how we look and feel? The Bible says, “… long life is a reward for the righteous.” It also says, “He numbers our days and writes them in His book before we ever take a breath.”

My perspective on life is influenced by Biblical principles, and faith in the One true God. I must view everything through that lens if I want peace and abundant joy. The world has its opinion and seeks to speak words into my life that don’t line up with my beliefs. The same is true of you, but you must decide who you give access to your thoughts and emotions.

Me and my mom, 1960

Because of my faith, I want to exemplify the kind of woman that sees the glass not only half full, but running over. This kind of woman exudes joy and peace, and I believe she only grows into her own skin by living a Christ centered life, and being comfortable with who God made her to be.

September, 2019

What does it mean to age gracefully, living in the light of more years before, than years remaining on the calendar? When does the focus morph into vanity, as opposed to healthy living? And what does the phrase, “fifty is the new thirty,” really mean?

There's a story between the day of my birth and the span of sixty years until now. Society, and our beliefs shape the way we react to the events in the interim years. I don't want to look back as I lie on my deathbed and regret time wasted. The lines around my eyes are from laughter, just as much as the lines between my eyes a result of stress. Each line means I'm still here, and there's still purpose for me. My mom lived only thirty-eight years, yet her life was full. Through her death she taught me that we are not promised tomorrow. I've already lived more than thirty years longer than she. 

This is my year of exploring what it means to age with grace, grow in wisdom and knowledge, and discover the path of sensible living. A dear friend remarked recently that he wants to finish strong, a goal of mine as well. I hope you will join me in this journey.

So Many Books, Too Little Time

Summertime is quickly approaching, and with it books waiting to be read. Every day is my favorite for reading, but the summer months seem to scream for a good book. There are several great bookish podcasts, and Instagram accounts for finding your next good read, but I wanted to share a few of mine.

I’ve been trying to read classics on a regular basis for the last couple of years. I don’t know why I missed these great books when I was in school, but unfortunately, I have no recollection of most of the ones I’ve enjoyed recently.

 

If you’re like me, and want to know the answer to that Jeopardy question, don’t be intimidated by the vernacular of the classics. I’ve found audio books to be helpful in understanding the language and time period.

 

Listed in order of my favorites:

 

Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte (Loved this book so much) 

Emma by Jane Austen

Anne of Green Gables by Lucy Maud Montgomery

Anna Karenina by Leo Tolstoy 

Travels with Charley in Search of America by John Steinbeck

Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck (Made me sad)

 

I’m listening to Middlemarch by George Eliot at the present time. It’s a ginormous book, and I’m about half way through 35 hours of listening time. I’m enjoying it so far, but there are lots of characters to keep up with. I started Doctor Zhivago by Boris Pasternak, but am having difficulty staying focused. It probably wasn’t a good idea to tackle two heavy books at the same time. 

I'm also reading The Women of the Bible Speak by Shannon Bream. The myth existing in our culture that Jesus doesn't care about women simply isn't true. God placed many women in places of extraordinary circumstances, and worked through them to unfold His plan for redemption.

 

Authors I Recommend:

 

Wendell Berry – I haven’t read a book of his I didn’t like, and he’s written many books. His poetry is also wonderful.

 

Rick Bragg – An Alabama native, Rick is a great writer of the southern way of living. If you grew up south of the Mason-Dixon line, you will relate.

 

Sean Dietrich – A writer in the same vein as Bragg, you will enjoy his keen sense of humor, and honest way of sharing the hard stuff.

 

Rosamunde Pilcher – A wonderful English lady who knows how to weave a multi-generational story that you never want to end. Her books transport you to the shores of England and leave you wanting to live there.

 

 

Books I Would Read Again:

 

Remember by Lisa Genova - Excellent book about memory

The Quotidian Mysteries by Kathleen Norris – A thin book about the importance of the ordinary things of life. 

 

We Were the Lucky Ones by Georgia Hunter – WWII story of a Jewish family who survive, despite unusual odds.

 

Hannah Coulter by Wendell Berry – I listened to this on audio, and then ordered the book. I wanted it in my hands and in my library.

 

Doing Life With Your Adult Children by Jim Burns – The title says it all.

 

Code Name Helene by Ariel Lawhon – The true story of an extraordinary woman during WWII.

 

Searching for Certainty by Shelly Miller – So, so good. Sadly, Shelly died in 2020. Her presence is gone, but she left her words behind, every sentence a gift.

 

The Red Sea Rules by Robert J. Morgan – A small book packed with biblical truth.

 

The Joy of Poetry by Megan Willome – I can’t say enough good things about this book. If you love poetry, read this book.

 

That’s it for now. Happy reading during these hot, summer months. Please comment on books you can’t put down. I’d love to hear your recommendations.