"I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world." ~John 16:33
I used to imagine our retirement years as a leisurely time. No demands from outside commitments. No rushing frantically from one activity or obligation to the next. Simply taking with ease each day as it comes. And perhaps, good Lord willing, traveling to visit with family or encounter new sights and adventures.
While the imagination is indisputably worthy of being entertained, those dreams and preconceptions can be mercilessly dashed before we even know what hit us. Reality is a ruthless taskmaster. It has no issue with smacking us up one side of the face and not having the courtesy to wait to slap the other cheek before we've had the chance to offer it.
I'm discovering daily every aspect and nuance that aging brings. While I feel young on the inside, my body tells me a different story. There are simply things I can't, or shouldn't, do at this point in my life. Are there plenty of activities in which I can still engage? Sure! And for those, I'm truly grateful.
But last week stretches both Danny and me to our limits. Between the two of us, we have four medical checks/follow-ups that consume our afternoons. Wednesday, the one day that is open, a run to Costco and Aldi's is in order. At least on Friday, Danny's visit to the doctor is solely to have some blood drawn to check his thyroid levels (that's a story in and of itself). The weather has warmed considerably from our deep freeze plunge, so we decide that a brisk walk in our nearby park will do us a world of good.
It does! The exercise and the sunshine lift our spirits immensely. Still, I find myself thinking how much an undemanding day when an afternoon nap is a possibility would be the cat's meow. Oh, going outdoors after said nap is glorious, too. I'm simply weary of the endless to-dos that continue to plague us.
But that, my friends, is life in this fallen world.
Jesus understands. Fully. Completely. He knows we will have troubles, sorrows, and hurdles that seem insurmountable this side of heaven. Yet we are immeasurably comforted when we know beyond a shadow of a doubt that He has overcome the world. In light of that, there is no trial we cannot overcome when we invite Him to walk with us on all of life's journeys.
Even if it's as simple and routine as the walk we take in the park, ask Jesus to join you. You'll be glad you did.
Amen!
A Reminder: Please take a moment to visit The Christian Lounge hosted by friend and fellow writer, Victor Moubarak. You'll be glad you did that, too!
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This is us for sure. We each have so many doctors and doctor appointments. We like to say that our dates are at doctor's offices now. But I'm so thankful we have good doctors.
ReplyDeleteI, too, am thankful for the wonderful doctors we have, Ginny. Really glad to hear that we aren't alone in having so many visits with them. I do appreciate your great sense of humor in referring to them as "dates." I'll pass that on to Danny!
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Oh the joys of aging! They are endless. Or is that they will soon be ending? :) We not only got the deep freeze we got the deep snow. 15" to be exact. That snow and the frigid weather has stayed around. They say we might hit the 50s this week. Maybe the piles of snow will begin to melt. But aging is not for the faint of heart. I just know that each day brings me one day closer. Until then, I will enjoy what I have-either riding inside, going to the Y, or simply taking a long and much-needed snooze.
ReplyDeleteYep, the joys of aging do seem endless, Bill, but they are what they are, and I'm learning to accept where Danny and I are at this stage in life. You certainly have been walloped by snow and cold this winter; hope you get a good thaw really soon so you can get out and about with more ease.
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Aging certainly brings its share of challenges, but I love how you anchor the reality of weariness in the greater truth of Christ’s victory. That walk in the park feels like a beautiful metaphor--simple, restorative, and yet profound when we invite Jesus to join us. Thank you for reminding us that peace isn’t found in the absence of trouble, but in His presence. 🙏
ReplyDeleteThanks so much, Veronica, for sharing your perceptive insights here. I'm humbled by your observations. Yes, when Jesus is walking with us, even the mundane becomes a great and grand experience. Peace is found only in His company.
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Totally understand this post! We are off this morning for our fasting labs, and then breakfast, which is a nice treat. But yes, our "plans for adventure" all have to be figured around the calendar of medical appointments and other responsibilities. That, plus our retirement income isn't that great, so that also limits our ability to travel and do things. But still, we are very thankful for what we do have and make the most of whatever adventures do come our way. This was a lovely post. Thank you. Yes, taking walks is essential, when the weather (and body) permits!
ReplyDeleteI know that you know exactly where I'm coming from here, Pamela, as you all have had some medical issues that need addressing. It's the part of getting older that we really don't see coming when we're young, even if we witnessed our parents or grandparents going through it. Walking, especially in the fresh air, is so healing for mind, body and spirit, isn't it? Our range of travel might be limited, but not our thankfulness to God!
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A wit once said, "Everyone told me that retirement meant I'd have plenty of time to travel. Nobody said it was travel to doctors' offices." We are all in that same place.
ReplyDeleteThat's so spot on, Glynn! It makes me glad that we have managed to do our fair share of traveling when we weren't quite so up there in years. Just taking things one day at a time in the here and now the best we can.
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Your thoughts have been my exact thoughts lately. I took a look at our February calendar and wow. it is packed full of appointments. I thought retirement meant a soft exhale of a busy working life. LOL..I thought it was the season of reading, writing and living at our own pace, but the calendar says different. I am thankful to know the Lord and that HE walks with us even in all of the busyness.
ReplyDeleteIt seems that is the case for so many of us who have made it to 70 and beyond, Shug. What we thought would be a "soft exhale" has become a deep breath. Nothing else to do but keep on keeping on, right?
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Oh, my goodness, reading everyone's comments - we all have so much in common - good ole aging - you can't beat it - it just happens no matter what. I was just talking about aging in my post today and what others think about it.
ReplyDeleteNo matter what - we do have God and he is there for us.
Yes, I did read your post today, Sandie, and responded, too. Aging does happen if we hang around as long as we have - LOL! It's comforting to know that we're never alone when we have Jesus walking with us through those ups and downs.
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I’m so thankful God walks with us through all life’s ups and downs.
ReplyDeleteI'm so thankful for the same thing, Diana. I don't know where we'd be without Jesus!
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If nothing else, at least we don't have to get up as early as we used to--unless it's an activity we've chosen to do or an early appointment with said doctors! I just checked the calendar to count up the days with no activities or appointments for February: twelve. That's quite a few more than when my husband was a pastor and I taught school, and our three kids still lived at home. I relish each day of peace and quiet!
ReplyDeleteThat's so true! Danny especially enjoys being able to sleep later in the morning. Although I get up fairly early, not having to rush to get to work, kids to school, etc., is such a joy. Good for you in having 12 whole days with no activities - those bring me such joy as I know they must for you.
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Stag strong Martha. -Christine cmlk79.blogspot.com
ReplyDeleteI will, Christine. Thanks!
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So far I only see the doctor once a year in March, my birthday month. The VA takes real good care of my husband, with chiropractic appointments every other week so we're always having to check our calendars. And if it isn't us aging, it's the dog! We don't travel because we don't feel comfortable leaving her. Our husbandry of aging companions come first over travel and that's fine with us. We can always find wonderful places to explore just out our front door.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful post, Martha. I'm reminded of that verse in Isa.46:4
"“Even to your old age and gray hairs I am He, I am He who will sustain you. I have made you and I will carry you; I will sustain you and I will rescue you.”
Awesome and comforting promise from our Heavenly Father who cares for us from the womb to old age.
How I love that verse from Isaiah, Debby, and I'm so glad you included it here in your comment! If we had an aging pet like you do, we wouldn't feel comfortable leaving her either. So happy to know that the VA takes such good care of your husband and that you have lots of beautiful places locally that you can enjoy as you so often share in your blog. By the way, my birthday is in March, too!
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It's a wonderful blessing to know that the Lord is walking with us throughout our journey. Blessings to you and Danny.
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely, Deb! So thankful that Jesus is with us no matter where we go.
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Dear Martha, I echo Ginny's comment! I have an appointment with my family doctor on March 2nd...and the test to determine the issues I am having with coughing and swallowing on March 12th.
ReplyDeleteI am extremely grateful for good doctors and medical staff.
And God is our eternal physician.
Thank you so much for sharing, dear friend. God bless you.
Know I'll be praying for you, Linda! Do let us know what the doctors have to say. Like you, I'm so grateful for competent and caring doctors, and am so fortunate that we have those wonderful physicians in our lives. And yes, God is our eternal physician.
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I am praying for Danny's and your good health.
ReplyDeleteYes, as we grow older there are always jobs and tasks that come our way that we did not expect when we were younger. And it's true, whilst we think and believe we are young "inside" our bodies tell us a different story. When I bend down to do my shoe laces I always try to find something else to do whilst I'm down there ... like looking for that pen I lost the other day, or rearrange the dust bunnies under the carpet.
Thank you for mentioning The Christian Lounge, Martha.
God bless you and your family, my friend.
Thanks most sincerely for your prayers, Victor, and know we are praying for you, too! And shoelaces? I now wear slip-in Skechers so I can actually put my feet in without bending over. Unfortunately, the dust bunnies are multiplying here at our house as our cleaning lady hasn't been here for over a month. I've had to do some triage! And you're so welcome concerning The Christian Lounge. Such a wonderful place for Christians to exchange thoughts and ideas.
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Your scripture verse was just what I needed to read today. This past weekend and last couple of days have been challenging on all sides. I am not retired but I could and when the weather is extremely cold it would be nice to stay in where it is cozy. My hubby is busier than ever even though he is retired...there are days when I have to make an appointment to see him (LOL). I have said aging may be God's way of teaching us humility. Ah it is hard to learn to be humble. Take care and have a wonderful Valentine's Day. Hugs!
ReplyDeleteI'm so glad that this scripture spoke to your heart today, Debbie. Honestly, at the time I chose to retire, it was because my workplace was beyond toxic. Danny worked until 2019 and retired due to his heart issues that we have been dealing with ever since. Tell your husband to make a real date with you! Yes, if aging teaches us nothing else, it certainly is humility.
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Oh, how your first sentence makes me grin big. Right there with you, Martha. As a matter of face, we're taking off tomorrow to Columbus for Tom's long-awaited hip replacement. What a comfort to be reminded, we're not walking the walk alone.
ReplyDeletematter of fact -- not face!
DeleteWhat comfort we can take knowing that we never walk, or at our age, limp, alone, Myra! I'll be praying for a safe and successful surgery for Tom and for safe travel there and back. And no need for correction, my friend. :)
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Life often gets in the way of a peaceful retirement
ReplyDeleteLife happens when we're making other plans, that's for sure. Hope your retirement years can be more quiet than ours, Jo-Anne.
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Yes... He walks with me, and He talks with me!! Amen!
ReplyDelete"And He tells me I am His own." Amen, and amen again, Terri.
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Hi Martha, you are so right. Aging is not for sissies!!! But, it is really hard sometimes to accept we are not as fit as we used to be and, it takes longer to heal, and and and... But thankfully as you say, God knows and He is gracious into our old age! Thank you for your sweet encouragement. God bless, Tracy
ReplyDeleteThank you, Tracy, for your kind and encouraging comment here. As you say, aging is NOT for sissies. I'm so grateful to God for walking with all of us as we go through these times of change.
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Boa noite Martha. Desejo muita saúde pra você e todos os seus familiares. Obrigado pelo texto bíblico. Que o Senhor Jesus abençoe sua família. Todos estamos sujeitos a termos aflições. O melhor é saber, que o Senhor Jesus, nunca nos deixa sozinhos. Uma excelente noite de quarta-feira. Grande abraço do seu irmão em Cristo, do Brasil.
ReplyDeleteAnd may our precious Savior bless you always, Luiz! Yes, afflictions are part of living, but when Jesus is with us, we know we are never alone. He will be there to give us the strength and determination to carry on.
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Aging has it challenges, some good some not so good. God knows we can meet those challenges so he walks alongside us to guide us. Very thankful for that.
ReplyDeleteJesus walking with us is what I'm most grateful for, too, Bill. Aging is definitely not for sissies. We can face all the challenges because we know the One who is always guiding us and holding us in His loving arms.
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Martha, this is so true and vulnerable to share. And this was really thought provoking, "Reality is a ruthless taskmaster." Yes, it is. I'm thankful for your walk in the park and that Jesus understands life in a fallen world has demands on us. But He is with us through it all. We're loving the warmer weather in East TN as well. I'm over snow and frigid temps. :-)
ReplyDeleteThe phrase that you quoted from my post here, Karen, was not just inspired by what Danny and I have been through, but by my thoughts of what Mike and you have bravely endured together. Your example of God's love and protection is an inspiration to so many who might not even have realized that they need it. I know I do! Thank you, sweet friend!
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Thank you reminding us of this truth, Martha - "Jesus understands. Fully. Completely. He knows we will have troubles, sorrows, and hurdles that seem insurmountable this side of heaven. Yet we are immeasurably comforted when we know beyond a shadow of a doubt that He has overcome the world." Amen! Love and blessings to you for strength for today and hope for tomorrow!
ReplyDeleteThat you took the time to quote my words here, Trudy, is a humbling and loving experience at the same time. I am honored that my expression touched you so deeply, and I so hope and pray that God will continue to allow me to serve Him in this world.
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Well, Martha, here I am, late again. But the privilege of walking with you guys through a very familiar sounding week at least let's me know that you're aware of how days (like yesterday, when your post came in) can be totally snatched away from us before we even get started. But, thank God, today slowed down just a bit and I at least get to tell you how much we appreciated spending time with you and Danny again.
ReplyDeleteWe laughed at that picture of being smacked upside the head on one side and then being hit on the other cheek before you could offer it. That was rich. And we also loved your comments about the aging process and your wise approach to handling it. Diane's younger than me and able to do more in come cases than I can, but we're both very familiar with the reality that some things we used to do just aren't in the list of options anymore. But it seems as though when some things get shifted out of the list of possibilities, God opens doors to ways to serve Him that we genuinely love. I''m confident that when we've accomplished what He sent us here to do, He'll put an exit ramp in our path and take us home.
And by the way, Diane and I are right at home with you re. the excursions to Costco and Aldi's. No wonder we feel so at home on these visits to your house. God bless you for extending these invitations to us and being such an insightful and inspirational host.
Oh, yes, Ron! Where would we be without Costco and Aldi's? LOL! We only visit the former once a month because the two of us don't need to buy that much in bulk, but Aldi's usually happens every other week.
DeleteI'm also gratified that the image of being slapped upside our heads before we can even offer the other cheek stuck out to you. With all the doctor appointments we've been facing, it was simply the image God gave me in order to describe it. To Him be all the glory!
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Amen to your post Martha. Twilight years are a test of patience and humility to be sure. Only reliance on God has be the peace in life needed to carry on.
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You have described these years perfectly, Jim. They are tests of both humility and patience, the latter of which Danny can tell you that I need to cultivate! But because we know that God walks right beside us, we can overcome the most overwhelming of obstacles.
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This is a beautiful post. I'm sixty. I'm beginning to understand.
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for your comment, Laura. I'll turn 71 on March 1, so it's become a glaring reality for my husband and me. Enjoy each day as it comes!
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I appreciate how you speak plainly about the difference between our expectations and the realities that come with age. So many can relate to that tension between feeling young at heart and facing physical limits. Your walk in the park sounds like a true gift in the middle of a full week of appointments. Sunshine and steady steps can do more for the spirit than we sometimes expect.
ReplyDeleteThey most certainly can, Melody. We love any time we can have the chance to enjoy the sunshine while we walk. It always clears my head, that's for sure.
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As Christ-followers, all of our trials are beneficial in some way, eventually. It's all about trusting Him. I have to remind myself of that.
ReplyDeleteI am constantly reminding myself this same thing, Barbara - trusting in the only One who will make all things right in the end. Our trials and troubles do teach us so much that we can hopefully pass on to those who will listen and learn.
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Sounds like you need some rest, dear friend. Lots of necessary busyness makes me scattered and I run quickly to practices that ground me even if it is only 10 minutes! I loved this sentence you wrote - Reality is a ruthless taskmaster. powerful and very true!
ReplyDeleteIt doesn't surprise me at all that you would pick up on this sentence here. While I'd like to dwell in the optimistic glow of life, Danny reminds me of the reality and practicality of what life hands us each day. It seems that we balance each other out, and that's a good thing. Maybe, my goal for Lent should be to encounter the rest that only God can give.
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I'm with you girl. Age humbles you like nothing else. I'm grateful to be able to walk down the nature trail and exercise inside, that is, when I feel up to it. I'm grateful to still have the mind to write and create. I'm grateful for each new day. I'm grateful to be alive.
ReplyDeleteThere was a day when I was young that I couldn't even imagine getting old. Never is this world, I'd think. But here we are, still alive - and sometimes kicking, lol. Best we can do now is keep each other lifted up in prayer. Remember us when you pray, and I will remember you and Danny. Love and blessings!
Amen to that humble feeling that comes with aging, Debra! When I see people out and about who are "our age," I have difficulty internalizing that I'm now one of them. Odd, isn't it? I'm so grateful for each new day just as you are. And yes, I will certainly keep you and Butch in my prayers, my friend.
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Amen. I’m making it a point to stop by. Thanks for the reminder. Hugs. xx.
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Thank you, dear Regine, for taking the time to visit here. It means so much to me. Glad this was a good reminder for you.
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Really beautiful photo!
ReplyDeleteThanks so much, RTC.
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And they call it the golden years...the only gold lives inside of me, the Holy Spirit, without Jesus I would have nothing,with Him I have everything.
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