The Charm of Old

 

 Proverbs 9:11 "For through wisdom your days will be many, and years will be added to your life."

Frederic Amiel said: "To know how to grow old is the master work of wisdom and one of the most difficult chapters in the great art of living."

I celebrated another birthday this week. I enjoyed a party with several "older" family as we chatted about old times. This is always the conversation of us who are old. We are pretty predictable. When I suggested we play the game of Password (also an old game), my two granddaughters and daughter burst out laughing. They had already guessed that would be the chosen game!!!!

Enjoying my traditional (and old ) recipe of blackberry cobbler baked by my daughter who is a superb cook, I chose to just enjoy the day with my "favorites" and my "olds".  I selected grilled chicken salad ( another tried and true recipe perfectly seasoned and cooked by my husband) for the meal.  I decided that growing  older shouldn't be stressful; it should be peaceful.

I can choose to adapt to letting go of who I was and accept the reality of who I really am. This is my life. I am a senior. There's no shame in that; I should not feel regret.  It is a privilege that many folks have been denied!

I should not compare myself to who I once was but embrace today. Aging is God's plan. It can be a beautiful season of life.  There is comfort in old shoes. There are amazing facts and history in old books. There is beauty in old trees. 

What I really am charmed by are old houses.  They can be very old and still have great character in their structure and foundation. You can feel the charm in their corbels and  porches. Their old staircases and woodwork have an air of grace. So many stories and laughter and tears are in their halls. Memories are stored in their attics and closets. 

So, I have appreciation for another birthday.  I feel kind of like a house. So much of me has changed and aged. But I choose to try to adapt gracefully (despite the temptation to murmur at the wrinkles and pains).  I am coming to terms with the definition of the word "charmed" which means pleasure. I think if I learn the wisdom of being content and accepting of my present, as I am passing through this chapter of life, I will have learned a lot.  Sure, it has it's less attractive side, but so did every other phase of  my life. I want to embrace the good part of it because I am telling a story that others may or may not be charmed by in later years.....