On Getting Older

Getting Older

My birthday is the day after Christmas…just a couple of weeks ago.

Most years, my birthday is a non-event and I prefer it that way.

This year, I turned 50…and the reality of 5 decades of life played mind games with me.

My mom was diagnosed with stage 4 colorectal cancer when she was 55. I have gotten screened every 3 years ever since her diagnosis because colorectal cancer is preventable with regular screenings.

This is not about colorectal cancer; however, if you are 50 or older and have never been screened, do it! If you have a family history, then get screened–regardless of your age!

Last week, the picture below caught my eye and I literally laughed out loud, even though the picture was in a doctor’s office and the nurse was talking to me at the time.

Birthdays are a great reality check:

Realizing that more than likely, there is more life in my rearview mirror than in my windscreen.

Realizing that while my mind is sharp, my body shows increased signs of limitations and restrictions that I did not have 30 years ago, heck, even 5 years ago.

Realizing there is no time or room to “major in the minors” or “sweat the small stuff”…and most of it is small stuff.

Two passages of Scripture have become increasingly dear to me over the past handful of years:

I Peter 5:5b-7 (NCV) - “And all of you should be very humble with each other. God is against the proud, but He gives grace to the humble. Be humble under God’s powerful hand so He will lift you up when the right time comes. Give all your worries to Him, because He cares about you.”

Philippians 4:6-7 (NCV) - “Do not worry about anything, but pray and ask God for everything you need, always giving thanks. And God’s peace, which is so great we cannot understand it, will keep your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.”

May you experience deep peace, purpose, and meaning this year!