A BIG birthday number is coming for me very soon! I pictured myself in cartoon form running as fast as I could from sixty giant birthday candles that were quickly overtaking me, engulfing me in flames. The Johnny Cash song, Ring of Fire, was playing in the background. Then, in real life, I was making a purchase and the sales clerk asked if the lovely teenager with me was my grandchild. It is true that I am an older Mom but yikes! I made a mental note to adjust my skincare routine. I felt like I was molding and becoming less relevant, smaller somehow. I prayed about it and the Lord impressed upon me that I needed to recognize the beauty in this milestone birthday and reminded me of one of my favorite Bible verses:
Isaiah 40:31 says But they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.
It is encouraging to know that our spiritual vigor can increase even as physical strength lessens over time. Scripture refers to gray hair of age as a crown of glory. I love that! I had felt that age had taken away my zest but the Holy Spirit is able to do even more because of my age. I have more patience and wisdom than I did in my youth.
Proverbs 28:1 says that the wicked flee though no one pursues, but the righteous are as bold as a lion. Jesus is referred to as The Lion of Judah with authority, strength and victory. I want to be bolder, not older. Older with a purpose and renewed fervor!
Joel 2:25 says I will restore the years the locust has eaten. So God can do more with my next 20 years than my last 60 if I am willing and I most certainly am!
Colossians 2:6-7 says just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness.
Spiritual growth is a lifelong journey. There is still ample opportunity for renewal, learning and living out our calling. God is still writing my story. He is still writing your story. We have to remind ourselves not to take the pen back. May we have gratitude for the past, be content in the present, and be excited for the future that God has prepared! May we be biblically bolder with each passing year!
P.S. Ladies, your birthday each year is a great time to schedule those yearly appointments like mammograms, etc. You do so much for others. Remember to take good care of yourself too!
