The Mystery of Growing Older
Our family celebrates several birthdays this time of the year, including mine. I love celebrating the uniqueness of each individual and have always tried to make birthdays special occasions. Ron and I still call our daughters and each grandchild to sing “Happy Birthday!” on their special day. While the singing is “sad,” the sentiment is sincere.
Aging is an interesting process. Sometimes, I look in the mirror and “feel my age.” There are those days when the number signifying how many times I’ve “circled the sun” astounds me. Most days, however, I simply keep placing one foot of faith in front of the other, arising each morning with a heart thankful for another day in which I can live and love.
Through the Prophet Isaiah, God made a promise I believe is pertinent to us today:
I will be your God throughout your lifetime—
until your hair is white with age.
I made you, and I will care for you.
I will carry you along and save you (Isaiah 46:4 NLT).
When I was in Spain a few years ago, one of the Spanish Mystics we studied was Teresa of Ávila who founded the Carmelite Order of Catholic sisters in the late 16th Century. Teresa was an amazing woman who loved Jesus passionately. She was known for her intellect and keen sense of humor.
Teresa’s prayer on growing older reflects her wit. I hope you’ll enjoy it.
Growing Older
Lord, You know better than I myself
that I am growing older and will someday be old.
Keep me from the fatal habit of thinking
I must say something on every subject and on every occasion.
Release me from craving to
straighten out everybody’s affairs.
Make me thoughtful but not moody;
helpful but not bossy.
With my vast store of wisdom,
it seems a pity not to use it all;
but You know, Lord,
that I want a few friends at the end.
Keep my mind free from the recital of endless details;
give me wings to get to the point.
Seal my lips on my aches and pains;
they are increasing, and love of rehearsing them
is becoming sweeter as the years go by.
I dare not ask for improved memory,
but for a growing humility and a lessening cock-sureness
when my memory seems to clash with the memories of others.
Teach me the glorious lesson that occasionally I may be mistaken.
Keep me reasonably sweet, for a sour old person
is one of the crowning works of the devil.
Give me the ability to see good things in unexpected places
and talents in unexpected people;
and give, O Lord, the grace to tell them so. Amen.
– Attributed to Teres of Ávila (1515-1582)
– Source Unknown
Despite the number of times you’ve “circled the sun,” blessings on your journey!
