The Saturday Journal: Embrace Your Age.

As I was reaching for the handle, the door pushed open wide from the opposite side and in the entry way was this lady and she was assisting another woman--in a wheelchair. The door led into a gym where groups meet a few times a week for exercise classes. And the woman in the wheelchair--she is 94 years old and she has become a regular participant--doing what she can.

Liz Curtis Higgs, a Christian author and a Women's Bible teacher was teaching a series on her book, The Women of Christmas during the month of December and on this night she was teaching about Anna the prophetess.  

Higgs started out her teaching with a word about Anna and the setting for her story–Mary and Joseph bringing baby Jesus into the temple and Simeon holding Him high and then Anna coming in haste (Luke 2:38) to see the Promised One.  Higgs also brought focus to the fact that Anna was an older lady "of great age" still working and serving the Lord.  

And then she said this, "Ladies, I have to stop right here and say this, 'Why do we discount ourselves because of our age?  Why do we do that to ourselves? Why do we sabotage ourselves? 

"Forty-year-olds say they have missed their opportunity.  Sixty-year-olds say it’s too late. And seventy and eighty-year-olds say, I just can’t do what I used to do."

Higgs went on to say, "Ladies, do not disrespect or say things like that to yourself–belittle yourself.  Your age is impressive!"

And I had to push the replay button again and again--soaking in her words. 

Many women today believe it’s too late or their time has passed for them to pursue their dreams, make a difference for others, serve God.  And we drown ourselves in negativity, doubt, and sadly, even with discouragement from others. 

But God’s word says this--I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.  (Philippians 4:13) 

Sarah, the Bible describes her as “old”, “well-stricken in age”. And she conceived and had Isaac.

(Genesis 18:11)

Elizabeth, the angel told Mary, “Thy cousin Elisabeth, she hath also conceived a son in her old age"

(Luke 1:36)

Sarah and Elisabeth’s babies--both miracle babies-- part of God’s plan.

Now I don’t believe God will ask any of us to bear children in our old age–but He could, if it was His will.

For with God nothing shall be impossible. (Luke 1:37)

Anna “of a great age” served the Lord in the temple day and night, praying and fasting. She was a widow and had committed many years to the service of the Lord.  (Luke 2:36-38)

Mother Teresa, she began serving the poor at the age of 18, first as a teacher, then on the streets of India and continued to serve until she died at the age of 87.

Laura Ingalls Wilder began writing her childhood memories when she was in her fifties and at the age of 64, her first children’s book, Little House in the Big Woods was published, followed by eight more books in the series.  Her books are still being read and loved throughout the world by children and adults.

At the young age of 63--this lady was part of my graduating class at Salem College and oh what a delight she was. She had been in education most of her life as a teacher assistant and she want more. She wanted a classroom of her own.

And there are so many more stories like these....

Every day we are given is a gift--a day of grace. Another opportunity to learn something new, serve Him, and serve others. To make a difference in someone’s life.

For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of His good pleasure. Philippians 2:13

Each season in our lives is for a purpose, so let’s use the gift of age well. For as long as we have a heartbeat and breath to inhale--God has something for each of us to do. 

It is not too late.

Let us embrace our age. For it is a gracious gift from the Lord.

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A humble and heartfelt thank you for reading.

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All photos @copyright Tathel Miller, unless otherwise credited to another photographer.