the grass withers, the flower fades . . . God's word lives on

I was thinking just this morning in prayer (at 4 am!) that this aging thing is tough. But we do have an opportunity as we age for more reflection. Since the body slows down, even breaks down, we retreat into our inner sanctum, where we find a different, deeper wisdom. For me, this is a place where I can hear God. So the body's decay/breakdown/slowdown CAN be an opportunity to look at our lives in a different (more spiritual) way. I greatly value my physical health. With the inevitable changes that come with age, we have choices to make: to feel sorry for myself and lament to loss of our youth & vigor or to use all our energy and resources trying to re-create our youth. Or we can accept life on life's terms - do what we can to care for our bodies, but discover our inner resources that are always there. We tend to ignore these inner things when the body drives our daily routine.

I'm fortunate that I never required lots of sleep. 5 and 1/2 to 6 hours is enough and the rare 7 hours is really sleeping in! But the body clock seems to be migrating East, since I wake up earlier and earlier. I am becoming a monk! Up at 4 am for the day and fading around 10 pm. This is not unique since I know many older folks who live the same way - living by the sun! My house is a monastery at 4 am - quiet, peaceful, with no one else around. This is when I can meet God, Who is always waiting for me. I can read my Bible, pray & worship, and listen for the Master's gentle voice. He is always there but I am rarely still enough to hear. One of the benefits of aging is ability to quiet ourselves long enough to hear the Voice we all want to hear. His wisdom leaps off the pages of the scriptures, the Holy Spirit reminds us of all that Jesus said and did, and inspirations pour into our soul. My mind can think clearly in the early morning, not encumbered by the demands of my busy life.

I feel sorry for the many folks I know who panic or despair when the body's aging becomes manifest. My Mom and other older relatives are so unhappy and desperate over the inevitable process we all live with. A certain measure of acceptance goes a long way to bring tranquility. We just have to live just for today. Tomorrow will take care of itself.

Gary