Aging Gracefully
Is not wisdom found among the aged? Does not long life bring understanding? Job 12:12 (NIV)
All I ever needed to know about aging gracefully I learned from Mr. Grumbles. When God created humans, He built into each stage of life pluses and minuses. I’ve been happy to accept the pluses as I move into that senior phase of life. However, the minuses, like aches and pains, don’t go over quite so well. My boy/dog has done it all much better. Here are some tips from my aging corgi-pom, Mr. Grumbles:
1. Stay loyal. Nothing says unconditional love like a dog.
2. Keep pushing yourself but accept your limitations. Grumbles still loves to walk but realizes his walks need to be shorter.
3. Continue to eat with relish. (This is certainly a plus that I like.)
4. Stay interested in the world around you. Grumbles is not up to those long walks anymore, but he spends the same amount of time sniffing as he did on the bigger adventures. He is still interested in the world around him.
5. Never stop showing appreciation, and do it daily. One lick is never enough.
6. Keep joy on your face. Despite Mr. Grumbles aches and pains, he usually can manage a silly smile and never complains.
At any stage and age, living life is what I make it. I will greet each day as a gift from my Father. I am grateful to Mr. Grumbles for showing me how to make this last stage wonderful and to God for giving me Mr. Grumbles.
Precious Lord, thank You for the gift of aging. Thank You for the furry friends who love us and teach us. Help us to be more accepting as we gracefully glide through each stage of life. AMEN.
Mo Haner with Linda Bartlett from All God’s Creatures