What Happened to the Graceful Process?

This picture speaks volumes to the importance of how we should handle ourselves as we grow older (or become more mature). It seems that hardly anyone finds grandeur in the state of aging anymore. Definitely to many, age maturity is outdated. To be “in” requires that one obtain eternal youth.

Well, here I go...mounting my soap box (if I don't slip due to age).

In our society many find embarrassment in having wrinkles, silver hair, etc. Being uncomfortable in themselves has led to an abundant supply of tucked-and-rolled people (in the 60s tuck-and-roll was a term used for car upholstery). However, today it pertains to rearrangement of body parts. With my husband's surgery this month at a UCSF medical facility to remove a cancer, I was shocked at the number of men who accompanied their wives to have facial rearrangement. Yep, these guys (men older than me) were having surgery right along side the wife who had already had one too many plastic jobs done. But why not go back for more? Right?

Finding the Mr. & Mrs. face job duos so prevalent, I went to the telephone yellow pages and wow! What used to take a small portion of one page, now fills a whole page or more. Still don't believe it? Well look at the newspapers and magazines that actively advertise operations to vitalize faces, and overhaul bodies. Men and women in their twilight years no longer find growing old a graceful process.

What happened to the beauty of becoming a mature adult? Beauty isn’t the outward appearance as society would try to make us believe – it is the inner makings of man. It is the part of us that should shed forth warmth, peace and comfort to the younger generation. Our wrinkles should be worn as battle scars of times past where we weathered harsh storms beating at our souls.

Our silvery gray hair should be a reminder of concern and worry for our loved ones and friends that took us to our knees in prayer. Our slowing steps should tell that we no longer must keep the fast pace as in the past but now are more at peace with life and our God because we have fought a good fight and are keeping the faith.

And as for our minds (well, I prefer not to go there – it would be all telling). No, really, our minds should after all these years be filled with goodness, reflections of wonderful days spent with the Lord, of times of laughter and joy with our children and grandchildren - and dwell on the beauty of just being a child of God.

Today I choose to grow old gracefully. Sure, I will stumble and fall like I have all my Christian life – but every time I do, I know the Lord will pick me up so that I can continue to mature in Him (hopefully maturing through my heart).

Reflections of Good Times

Now that I've been home a few days and settled(??), I am reflecting on our latest trip to San Francisco. It brings reflections of good times - times with family and friends, and visiting favorite points of interest during our non-medical time.

It started out wonderfully. After church last Sunday we met with family and friends at Marie Callenders in Mt. View for a time of fellowship. You know, there is nothing like getting together with ones you hold dear. The hugs I received from Madi and Cassie when we came in the door of the restaurant were priceless. My, how they are becoming such beautiful young ladies.

Madison & Cassidy (posing for their aunt Kellee)

We also eked out time on Wednesday and headed for Pier 39 (Carol's post inspired a trip there). It was nice to partake in a clam chowder bowl and watch all the "crazies" proudly parading around seeking to gain attention. Oh what a game they play with the tourists! We enjoyed the fish markets and the bay views; then we were off to the Presidio, Crissy Field, and the Golden Gate Bridge. Lastly, it was to Golden Gate Park's Dutch Windmill which towers above the Queen Willamina Gardens where tulips are now beginning their magnificent bloom show. What a beautiful, peaceful place. We loved every blossom, bird, and sight. Unfortunately, the "show" only lasts for a few days before fading away. However, if you ever get the chance, try to go. It's between mid-March and the first week of April (well, that is, depending on the weather). Here's a few sights you may see.

Wonder what places we will visit next time? Got to start thinking about that because we are only one phone call away from heading back north; and according to the doctor that should be in a couple of weeks. Let me see, what would end up a good reflection? Hmmm...wonder if the Park's Rose Garden will be starting its show? Or do I want to spend the $19.95 (senior discount) per person to visit the new Museum of Science. Oh, well I have two weeks or so to make up my mind.

Growing Old Gracefully

I loved this picture with its words that a dear friend sent me today - speaking volumes to the importance of how we should handle ourselves as we grow older (or become more mature). When I received this, my first thought was - whatever happened to growing old gracefully? It seems that hardly anyone finds grandeur in the state of aging anymore. Definitely to many, age maturity is outdated. To be “in” requires that one obtain eternal youth. Now I want to share my words with you. Here I go (on my soap box once again).

True, in our society many find embarrassment in having wrinkles, silver hair, etc. Being uncomfortable in themselves has led to an abundant supply of tucked-and-rolled people (in the 60s tuck-and-roll was a term used for car upholstery). However, today it pertains to rearrangement of body parts. When looking in the telephone yellow pages, I was astonished to find that where the names of plastic surgeons used to take only a small portion of a page, the list of surgeons now fills a whole page or more. Or, just look at the newspapers that actively advertise operations to vitalize faces, and overhaul bodies. Men and women in their twilight years no longer find growing old a graceful process.

What happened to the beauty of becoming a mature, caring person? Beauty isn’t the outward appearance as society would try to make us believe – it is the inner man. It is the part of us that should shed forth warmth, peace and comfort to the younger generation. Our wrinkles should be worn as battle scars of times past where we weathered harsh storms beating at our souls. Our gray hair should be a reminder of concern and worry for our loved ones and friends that took us to our knees in prayer. Our slowing steps should tell that we no longer must keep the fast pace as in the past but now we are more at peace with life and our God because we have fought a good fight and are keeping the faith. And as for our minds (well, I prefer not to go there – it would be all telling). No, really, our minds should after all these years be filled with goodness, reflections of wonderful days spent with the Lord, of times of laughter and joy with our children and grandchildren. And our minds should dwell on the beauty of just being a child of God.

Today I choose to grow old gracefully. Sure, I will stubble and fall like I have all my Christian life – but every time I do, I know the Lord will pick me up so that I can continue to mature in Him (hopefully through my heart).