Lutherans for Life

The Joke is on Me 
What does it mean to age with grace and dignity in a world that seems to value youth above all else? 

I wouldn’t trade this present reality for anything. 

Isn’t it funny how life has a way of sneaking up on us with a knowing grin? When I was a young woman, dreaming about the future was like painting a picture with bold, vibrant strokes, each one representing the energy and optimism of youth. I saw myself running after giggling grandkids, my body as spry as it ever was. Ah, the sweet naivety of it all! But here I am, a little wiser, a lot slower, and chuckling (and weeping) at the irony of it all. 

Life, it seems, had a different painting in mind for me—one with softer, more seasoned hues. And while my partially artificial knees might not keep me as steady as I would like these days, I find there’s a certain grace in this new version of myself. It’s like discovering a new chapter in a beloved book, one that’s filled with unexpected twists and turns. 

This journey into the later stages of life has given me the chance to reflect on my purpose, especially through the lens of my faith as a Christian. 

What does it mean to age with grace and dignity in a world that seems to value youth above all else? How can we continue to serve and love our families, even when our energy isn’t what it used to be? 

I think perhaps there’s a lesson there for all of us: that our purpose doesn’t diminish with age — it evolves. Join me in exploring how Scripture helps us to realize this evolution of ourselves. 

“But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be the glory both now and to the day of eternity. Amen” (2 Peter 3:18). 

“Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect, but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own. Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 3:12-14). 

What does the LORD wish us to do according to these verses? He wishes us to grow in Him (grace) by pressing forward (not living in the past) and realizing (growing in knowledge) that we are called to be sanctified (conformed to the image of His Son). 

“My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever” (Psalm 73:26). 

“Keep your heart with all vigilance, for from it flow the springs of life” (Prov. 4:23). 

“Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day” (2 Cor. 4:16). 

Knowing spiritual growth is key here, what do these verses help us to realize? Spiritual growth comes from the knowledge that through God’s strength and promises, we have the way to guard our hearts and minds and be renewed daily. 

How is your heart growing? How are you growing? Does this ever stop? Reflective questions here, but the takeaway is that our growing in Christ never stops in this life. We daily repent of our sins, believing in Christ’s redemption and trusting in Him for our continued growth through sanctification. 

And in the midst of this reflection, I’ve realized something truly precious. My grandkids, with their boundless energy and endless curiosity, see me not as an older woman, but as their grandmother, their confidante, and their storyteller, especially regarding the greatest story ever told. I serve as a mentor in the faith for those precious young ones and their friends. And I do this not just for my own grandchildren but for other youth in my community as well. Those of us older folks who have not been blessed with children and/or grandchildren can serve as mentors in the faith for other youth. This creates a connection to others and gives us elders an opportunity to share the Gospel in ways that only the Lord can make happen. 

So, while the joke might be on me in terms of my youthful imaginings, I wouldn’t trade this present reality for anything. It’s a gift in itself, one that allows me to embrace life in all its beautiful imperfections. After all, isn’t that what makes the journey so wonderfully worthwhile? Peace be to you in Christ Jesus, my fellow aged ones in the Lord!