Good Morning World,
I'm sitting in my dining room watching the hills as the trees are shrouded in soft white clouds and the sun peaks through with winters lens showing the few remaining bright splotches of yellow leaves scattered through the evergreen forests. I am fortunate to be able to still see the hills, the skies and the trees.
I'm getting older...day by day. When I was younger, I didn't sense aging. It seemed as if I would always be strong, filled with energy and projects lined up just waiting to be completed.
I did not realize that after a point, I would have the experience of feeling the effects of age. It's here. At 75 the bumps, bruises, breaks experienced over the years have left me less able to do the things I used to. I am becoming more dependent on others to help me.
It's a weird experience shared by some friends and family who are supportive as I learn how to accept my limitations. Most of these comforting individuals have already encountered accidents, illnesses, limitations that life has brought them and they have learned how to not be overwhelmed by the changes. I have found their help and encouragement so valuable, I thank them for their transparency. They could have just put on a front and not disclosed their own painful journeys of learning to age gracefully in spite of illness, accidents and other setbacks.
As I look out my window I realize the sun is now brightening and it is nice to see the leaves on the trees in my own yard reflect the sunshine's yellow glow.
Earlier today I did my morning routine; make coffee, let the dog out, gather my devotional books and my Bible. I am blessed to have a recliner, and a new heated blanket. What blessings these are to me. I drink my coffee and read my devotions. I read three; In Touch Ministries free daily devotionals, Streams in the Desert,(Mrs. Charles Cowman) and In Quietness and Trust, (Angus Buchan). There are always words of encouragement in these devotionals and Bible verses to strengthen my faith.
I would like to think I have a strong faith, but the truth is I pray 'like the dickens' for God to help me believe when I am faced with the issues in life that are outside of my control. Which brings me to another point, I read my Bible daily. I need to, to bolster my faith. there is a verse that comes to my mind, "Faith comes by hearing and hearing by the Word of God." Romans 10:17
I could pretend that I have strong faith, that no matter what I believe in God. But I don't when bad things happen I have to pray and pray for God to give me faith.
Oh, and the other day when faced with more issues that needed to be addressed I discovered U-Tube on my TV has beautiful free videos with incredible nature scenes, music and scripture being read by narrator's with calm soothing voices. What a blessing when I am trying to make decisions about what to do about this or that issue that needs being done, yesterday (lol).
I know I am blessed beyond measure the difficulties I experience when compared with what some people are going through are very minor. I can still see, walk, talk, think, drive, hear, eat, cook, and plan. I read the little decoration I put on the TV stand that says, Always be thankful. I am thankful and as I move through this journey of aging I commit to keep doing those things that prevent me from sinking into despair or depression over the loss/decrease of my abilities.
Well, I just wanted to touch base with other people who are going through life and finding things a bit more than we might have expected.
Until next time, remember, "Weeping may last for a night, but joy comes in the morning."
