Aging Gracefully

Dear Victorious,

I've heard it said that people can age "gracefully," or grow old gracefully. That sounds like a good thing to do. But can people really pick how they mature in life? I mean, how would one go about choosing this so-called graceful aging process?

Marietta L. - Mt. Lebanon, PA

Dear Marietta,

The aging process is a difficult one. I don't know of a single individual who enjoys getting old, seeing their bodies fail, knowing their minds may fail, or passing through stages of being able to do what they want. Most of us are not physically able, for example, to do the things we were physically able to do in our youth. This process of aging gracefully really just means that we take those changes in our stride. We let them humble us ... but not frustrate us.

The Apostle Paul said, "... I have learned to be content in all circumstances." (Philippians 4:11) What this means is that he found the solace of Christ Jesus to be sufficient for whatever challenges he had in his everyday circumstances. I believe that is the secret to growing old gracefully. You don't deny the unfortunate changes that come with the aging process. But you don't fear them either. You don't have to appreciate the things you give up or lose --- but you don't have to be frustrated by it either.

Those who grow old gracefully are comfortable in their own skin. They also are confident that the eternal life they have and are moving toward in Christ is more than a fair trade for the things they may be moving away from (i.e., physical agility, mental capacity, etc.).