Age is not Just a Number 

It is a human experience to ask some existential questions about one’s age at some point in life. Aging is not a desirable experience, but we can't avoid it. Maintaining a positive attitude makes the aging process smoother. However, it needs to be realistic. Let us test some commonly held beliefs about age.  

1. OLDER MEANS EXPERIENCED. Is it always true? You may have a 25-year work experience if you have been adding skills to your experience, or it may just be a 1-year experience 25 times if you keep on doing the same thing again and again. It is not enough to count the years; we need to learn from our experiences.  

"Let the wise hear and increase in learning, and the one who  understands obtain guidance. (Proverbs 1:5 ESV)

2. HAVE FUN IN YOUR LIFE; DON'T WORRY ABOUT TOMORROW. Is life mainly about having fun? There are some who think this way, "Whatever you do, aging is inevitable. So, why exercise, go on a diet, reserve yourself from drinking, smoking, etc.?  Enjoy life." Unfortunately, that is not how it works. You can choose how you live, but not how you die unless you take matters into your hands. Your children can’t enjoy life the way you did if they have to stay around your sickbed. Someone may say, “But you may get sick even if you live a moderate life.” Yeah, but it won't end with a regret.

"Do you not know that you are God's temple and that God's Spirit dwells in you? If anyone destroys God's temple, God will destroy him. For God's temple is holy, and you are that temple." (1 Corinthians 3:16-17 ESV)

3. BIRTHDAYS ARE HAPPY DAYS. Wait, not always. It depends on the checks and balances between the past and the future. As you get older you will start assessing the value of your life by what you have accomplished in your life. It may be your accomplishments as a professional, as a parent or in your ministry. In addition, the realization that you have more yesterdays behind you than tomorrows ahead of you will kick in. Birthdays are like heat energy. A good amount will keep you warm; too much of it will kill you.  

“Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." (Matthew 6:19-21 ESV)

4. LIFE STARTS AT 50. Really? Maybe a gradual decline in memory, not life. It is time to say to your wife, “Please remind me to remind you about your appointment.”  But if you mean to say staying young at heart, POSSIBLE! 

“They will still bear fruit in old age, they will stay fresh and green.” (Psalm 92:14, NIV)

“Even to your old age and gray hairs I am he, I am he who sustains you. I have made you and I will carry you; I will sustain you and I will rescue you.” (Isaiah 46:4, NIV)

5. RAISING A CHILD IS THE BEST WAY TO AGE WITH CONSOLATION. This one may work. Even though you don’t want to age, you want to see grandchildren which I believe is the best bargain for aging. And if you are wondering, “What if I can’t have a child?” Well, if you are really interested, there is a way.  There are thousands of beautiful orphaned babies who would be happy to call you mommy or daddy. It will add more meaning to your life.    

"Religion that is pure and undefiled before God, the Father, is this: to visit orphans and widows in their affliction, and to keep oneself unstained from the world." (James 1:27 ESV)   

Reflection

What is your view of aging? How would you like to look back at the past? 

Prayer Journal

How would you like God to use you so that your legacy will uplift humanity? What would you like to pray for? Long life, healthy life, happy life or what else?