Therefore we do not lose heart. Even though our outward man is perishing, yet the inward man is being renewed day by day.
I am a Baby Boomer. One of millions born between 1946 and 1964.
While I have many younger, and a few older, friends on Facebook, the vast majority are from this age group, with a high percentage being former high school buddies.
It is obvious, when we share photos or study profile pics, all of us have aged, some better than others. But, what strikes me most is not the gathering wrinkles or greying hair. It is, instead, the physical ailments which are creeping into our lives. Requiring medication, therapy, or surgery.
Everything from high cholesterol and blood pressure to joint replacement and cancer treatments to chronic muscle/joint pain to digestive issues. You name it, and you can bet some Baby Boomer out there can lay claim to it!
Because, even when we are in tip-top condition, exercising, eating right, getting enough sleep, our bodies are gradually breaking down. Bit by tiny bit. With every passing day.
And, no medication or therapy or surgery can prevent it from eventually perishing altogether.
Yet, I do not lose heart.
What I see of my friends through their words of wit and wisdom, faith and hope, encouragement and love, are beautiful souls. Souls renewed afresh each day. Every day.
Not deterred by a weakening body, but, paradoxically, strengthened by it.
Inwardly, they, we, are growing. Out of the self-absorbed focus of youth into the outreaching embrace of others.
Growing. In spirit and in truth.
Giving. Of heart and soul.
Gaining. In goodness and grace.
Glorifying the One in whom we live and move and have our being.
And, with Whom, we will abide for eternity.
~
Are you losing heart, or staying young at heart?
Will you share this prayer with me?
St. Paul reminds us, Father, of the temporal nature of our bodies. They won't sustain us forever. But, we don't lose heart, Lord, because we know that we will one day live with You. May our earthly journeys open us more and more each day to know and praise Your great glory. Amen.
Readings
Psalms 145 or 104
Exodus 13:17-14:4
2 Corinthians 4:16-5:10
Mark 12:18-27
This is so true Martha.. our bodies may slowly tire or weaken but as long as we have given, accepted and learnt from life's lesson we will always remain young and bright in heart!
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for stopping in today, Savira!
DeleteExactly, my friend! I truly believe we are as young as we feel. Let's see . . . that would put me at about 18? Lol!
Blessings to you!
my husband and I turned 50 this yr....I think 50 is way better than 20...grey hair and all!
ReplyDeleteI am your newest follower..pls follow back if you can.
So glad you chose to follow me here! I will be sure to look you up.
DeleteYes! 50 is the new 30! Life is rich with experiences by this time and I think we are able to relax and enjoy ourselves more when we've passed the big 50.
Blessings to you!
boy Martha did you hit the nail on the head. I am a boomer that has boomed with all you mention. I seem like all i have to do is go to the doc about a pain and get twenty more pill for what ails me. Lol I get a knee replacement in may. anyway good morning and god bless
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for stopping by today, Roy!
DeleteYep, those meds just keep on coming, don't they? I take a few myself - lol!
Sorry to hear you have to go through knee replacement surgery next month. But, I will pray for a speedy recovery for you to be sure.
Blessings to you!
This is Beautiful! Thank you <3
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for popping around today, Nikky!
DeleteGlad you enjoyed the post. :)
Blessings to you!
Sadly, this a part of life the changes of our bodies. I don't know when it happened to me because in my head I feel the same inside. I do keep to an exercise schedule to help fight the sands of time. It doesn't stop it but I do feel better.
ReplyDeleteOh, I exercise, too, Brenda, and it certainly does help in so many ways. I know I have a lot more energy when I do.
DeleteAnd, in my head, I'm better than ever! :)
Thanks so much for stopping by!
Blessings to you!
You know it's weird I suffer because of my DID disorder from Suicide Ideation... it is the thoughts not the action.....yet at the same time..I look around and fear death.. fear getting sick and suffering.. I am amazed at the change of my thoughts.. and I am a believer but the thought of aging and death scares me... as always...XOXOXOXO
ReplyDeleteYou're certainly not alone in this, Bonnie. There are many who are strong Christians, yet still fear death, and no one wants to suffer with a sickness or other condition as they age. It makes that such a rougher road to go. Know my prayers are with you each day, my friend!
DeleteThank you so much for stopping by and leaving such an honest reflection.
Blessings to you!
Great post. May we all stay young at heart no matter how our bodies might sometimes protest and groan! :)
ReplyDeleteYes, that we would all be young at heart! What a way to live!
DeleteThanks so much for stopping by, Jessica.
Blessings to you!
Happy Saturday Martha!
ReplyDeleteI remember one of the first questions I asked in Sunday School eons ago was why do we get sick and die. No one was ever really able to give me a satisfactory answer. It was only later on in life, when I took to really studying the Bible that I learned the answer. Sickness, ill-health, even death are all a part of sin...the "curse" so to speak that was put on the earth as a result of Adam & Eve disobeying God. All these things must come to pass. The key is not to lose hope or faith. If I may, Rev. 21:1-4: "I saw a new heaven and a new earth; for the former heaven and the former earth had passed away... 'And he (God) will wipe out every tear from their eyes, and death will be no more, neither will mourning nor outcry nor pain be anymore. The former things have passed away.'" I love to workout, but I am continually plagued with back problems. The thought of living in paradise with no more aches and pains, no sickness and everlasting life is what I cling to when my back hurts so much that I can hardly walk.
Thank you as always for your writings.
Thank you so much for stopping by today, Andy, and leaving such a thoughtful comment.
DeleteMy husband can certainly relate to your back issues - so sorry that it causes you so much pain at times and hope it won't keep you from working out altogether. We know the body is perishing, but it doesn't hurt to keep fit so we can better serve God's kingdom.
I cannot believe someone in Sunday school could not answer this question for you. Of course, you have given the answer here with clarity and truth which I so appreciate your sharing. And, there is such hope in this verse from Revelation, isn't there? We can trust that, in the end, God will put all to rights and we will live with Him for eternity.
Blessings and happy Saturday to you! :)
Thank you for your kindness Martha.
DeleteWhen one truly knows the Bible and realizes what lies ahead, the little things bothering us now that all seem so overwhelming will be of no consequence later. We just have to be patient, keep the faith and know that God's word is truth and He will keep His promises of life forever in paradise.
Thank you again.
Amen, Andy, amen! :)
DeleteI don't fear finally meeting my grandmother (she passed away when my father was 7) nor do I fear meeting our maker. But I do fear your question " will you still feed me, will you still need me, when I'm 64". Spiritually I'll be fed, and needed until the good lord decides it's my time. But physically I've wonder who will take the chore of tending to my needs when I can no longer do it myself, a family member (I don't want to be a burden) or will it be a stranger in a home? Of course we all would hope that our family will take care of us. But in this day and age I've seen the closest of families decide to put a mother/father in a home for someone else to care for them. So I do wonder..
ReplyDeleteDebbie, that is a very serious question and one most of us don't want to ponder, but must, especially as we see our parents getting older. I know I would do everything possible to care for them before ever thinking of a home, but, as we know, some illnesses that beset those we love, or us, are too much for us to handle on our own. I pray you will have loved ones to look out for you!
DeleteThanks so much for dropping by!
Blessings to you!
Very strong and poignant post. Something I deal with and see on a day to day basis. Love to you.
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for stopping by, Jan, and pleased you enjoyed the post.
DeleteBlessings and love to you, too, my dear!
I was just talking to my mom about her health. She looks so young (she's 63 y/o) but she tells me that she can't take care of my young nieces anymore.
ReplyDeleteI cringed at the thought that my mom isn't getting any younger and she palpitates more often now than before.
And do I yield to her requests (to be accompanied, to be prepared).
On the other hand, I'm just in my thirties but I feel old with my flactuating bp. I can't do much when I feel knocked-out. I'm afraid not to be able to give myself or transcend my pains...
And all in all, as I reflect on God's Word and your post this day, I see people's vulnerability but yes, I choose courage to be renewed each day.
I pray with you. I love your reflections as it felt so close to my heart.
I'm so gratified to know, Melissa, that this reflection touched you deeply. I know how your mom feels - I'm in my fifties and it's already tough to keep up with my very active granddaughter.
DeleteIt is so hard to watch parents aging as it makes us have to look at our own life clocks. And, I'm so sorry you are dealing with some health issues that leave you "knocked-out" at times. I will pray for you!
Oh, yes, how vulnerable we are, but God will renew us daily and restore us to perfection when all is said and done.
Blessings and love!
Thanks Martha, I know you are with me in prayers :*
DeleteMartha..even if we don't feel old, the thought of a future where we might need to depend on others for care, makes it a little scary. But then I realize that God always provides, if we open ourselves to His providence.
ReplyDeleteHe does and He will always provide!
DeleteIt's most difficult for me right now watching my parents and Danny's mom grow older; all are in their 80s. And, while my parents are in good health, Mimi is not. We were happy to celebrate her birthday last Sunday, not knowing if there will be another one, but trusting in the Lord in all things.
Blessings to you!