“How old are you?” is one question that you are taught at an early age that you just DON’T ASK. Aging is often considered a “dirty word” in today’s society. Only teenagers want to “look older.” Millions of dollars are spent every year by people who are trying to “look younger.” Why? Why is it so important that we “look good for our age?” Today is my birthday! Yesterday, I asked my five year old grandson, “How old do you think I am?” and he said, “About 75, I think.” Now, let’s not get ridiculous! Right? I remember not accepting the fact that I turned 30 – In fact, I was 29 for the first time, second time, third, and fourth time. When I turned 33, I thought, “Well, Jesus was 33! It must be a good age,” and I got over worrying about how old was. I’m honored to have lived on this earth for 58 years today. I have a husband, (whom I adore) of over 39 years, two beautiful, intellectual daughters who are more successful in many ways than we are, and one grandson who “loves his Gammy!” I have an amazing church family who has stood by us for almost 24 years – they love the Lord and delight in serving Him. I have a job, which I so enjoy – working with the best folks! Yes, I’ve decided that “Life is great at 58!”
The life expectancy for thousands of years was between 35-40 years. I’m already ancient by those standards! Today, the typical life span is 78 years (Women – 80 years and Men – 75 years). It’s amazing that Moses knew this 3500 years ago when he wrote, “The days of our years are threescore years and ten; if by reason of strength, they be fourscore years, yet is their strength and sorrow; for it is soon cut off and we fly away.” (Psalms 90:10) A “score” is 20 years and so threescore and 10 would be 70 years. Notice how he said, “fourscore years, yet is their strength and sorrow.” People who live longer must be strong and they must be able to deal with sorrow and loss, for the longer you live – the more losses you must endure.
I’m happy to reach any age on this earth, and I pray that I will celebrate many more birthdays, if I am profitable to the Lord. I am thankful that I was given the chance to “raise my girls.” I pray that I am “following in His steps.” (I Peter 2:21) As Paul said, “For me to live as Christ and to die is gain.” (Philippians 1:21) Every year, I’m getting closer and closer to heaven – isn’t that what life’s all about? God Bless, Courtney