Growing Older

You may notice in my profile to the right that my age has increased recently. Half a century plus a decade plus three years equals sixty-three years. I have discovered that the experience of "growing older" becomes more meaningful as my age increases. The key, I think, is to focus on the "growing" and not the "older". Each year of life is an opportunity to experience, learn, and create. I am reminded of these words.

Good friend, don't forget all I've taught you;

take to heart my commands.

They'll help you live a long, long,time,

a life full and well.

Don't lose your grip on Love and Loyalty.

Tie them around your neck, carve their initials on your heart.

Earn a reputation for living well

in God's eyes and the eyes of the people.

Trust God from the bottom of your heart,

don't try to figure out everything on your own.

Listen for God's voice in everything you do, everywhere you go;

he's the one who will keep you on track.

Don't assume that you know it all.

Run to God. Run from evil!

Your body will grow with health,

your very bones will vibrate with life!

(from Proverbs, chapter 3, The Message//Remix,

The Bible in Contemporary Language by

Eugene H. Peterson)