Insights into Ageing (3)
Ageing well requires that you stay flexible. The Bible says, ‘...Clouds always bring rain; trees always stay wherever they fall. If you worry about the weather and don’t plant seeds, you won’t harvest a crop.’ (Ecclesiastes 11:3–4 CEV) Certain things happen: clouds bring the rain, storms blow over trees and, like the weather, circumstances arise that you can’t control. Hazard-free living is a myth; everything comes with a risk. ‘If you dig a pit, you might fall in; if you break down a wall, a snake might bite you. You could even get hurt by…chopping a log.’ (Ecclesiastes 10:8–9 CEV) You say, ‘At my age, I play it safe and take no chances.’ Avoiding risk guarantees missing what God has for you just ahead.
So how can you enjoy the final years of your life? Don’t avoid; rather adjust, adapt and advance. But be practical; pace yourself! What if things take longer to do than when you were younger? Yes, your energy level may require more frequent breaks, but your advanced years allow you more time and less hurry than your frantic past. Slow down; embrace this opportunity to accomplish things you’ve never attempted. In his eighties, Rubinstein amazed audiences with his piano-playing skills. Gladstone became Britain’s Prime Minister for the 4th time in his eighties. John Wesley preached every day aged 88. Moses led Israel at 120. Caleb led his troops against an army of giants at 80, and won. 2/3 of the world’s greatest works of art were accomplished by people over 65. Don’t let a little rain, a falling tree or a possible risk stop you.