Proverbs 3:13 -- Blessed is the man who finds wisdom, the man who gains understanding..."
As I grow older, I think more and more often on what kind of man I want to be in my old age.
I have seen men and women grow more and more bitter as they got older. In many cases it's understandable as they have endured many, serious health issues. It's also understandable when the independence we value so much is taken away by age and/or illness. Having to live the last years of your life in a nursing home can take away the best of spirits.
Both Betty and I have gone through some serious health issues in the past few years. It's tough and very hard to keep your spirits up when you're hurting and dependent on others for your daily living.
Yet, I have also known men and women who have gone through the trials of age and illness and done so with much grace and beauty. They exemplify the beauty moving from the face to the heart mentioned in the above quote which I love.
What makes the difference? Why do some people live in beauty and grace and others live in darkness and despair? Here are my thoughts about the people who live in beauty and grace.
1. Their personal relationship with God is the center of their lives. All else revolves around that. Jesus Christ is their foundation upon which they stand in the midst of life's storms.
2. They know this life is not all there is. They look forward to something better.
3. They have learned to let go - to let go of physical things they can no longer do, to let go of material things that no longer matter, to let go of friends who are no longer here, to let go of life itself.
4. They understand the difference between happiness, based on circumstances, and joy, based on something more than themselves. They seek joy, not happiness.
5. They value the peace that passes all understanding. They have learned what it means to be content - in all circumstances.
I have never considered myself as beautiful. I'm an average, off-the-rack kind of guy. Yet, I hope and pray that as I get older and encounter more things I must let go of, I will learn to have a beautiful heart.
5 comments:
We think you do...although we only know you online!
I'm all teary eyed because this post presents many truths I've been learning. God has and is using you in ou lives.
Off the rack is clearly the way to go. Beautiful post inside and out.
So inspiring. Words from them are forever.
Off the rack precious! I love you, Dan. AND, I love that sweet Betty lady, too.
And here I just figured that old people became grouchy when their brains started to shrivel up and become prune-like.
You and Betty are both beautiful inside and out and will remain that from now until all eternity. Why? Because God is in your hearts and he fills you with beauty from the inside out.
God Bless Both of You!
~Lisa
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