It’s Not Like I Thought It Would Be
It’s not like I thought it would be. This is not how I envisioned getting older. I thought I would have more time to do things like traveling across America in an RV, learning how to play pickle ball, traveling to Jerusalem and walk the streets where Jesus walked. I thought it would be a gradual descent.
No, it’s not like I thought it would be.
It started much earlier than that of most of my contemporaries. It has changed our life. No necessarily horribly, still doable, but different. While I don’t have a history of longevity in my family, I still thought the plethora of physical challenges would happen in my 80’s.
No, it’s not like I thought this time of my life would be.
But I have learned some lessons from this life of mine.
- Don’t waste a minute worrying about what might happen or put off what you want to do until that windfall comes in or the kids are older or …
- Things happen for a reason. This may not be like you thought it would be but the sooner you seek God’s reason and purpose, the sooner you recognize that it is part of our spiritual growth. Struggles can lead to greater faith and understanding,
- Sometimes they happen for only a season. If we look for a brighter day, we usually can find it. Psalm 30:5 – “Weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning.”
- Remember past experiences where you safely navigated difficult times and trust that you have the strength and resilience to overcome them.
- There is still beauty in each day. The blessings can be monumental but often it is the small blessings that really make the day special. Be thankful.
- Remember that you are not alone; many face similar trials and find strength in faith. Allow others to come along side you.
God does not want us to look backwards. He calls us to look forward. He asks us to trust Him. Thing may look and feel different but God has not left us. He is here with us.
The pain may be ever present, there may be a little less mobility – ok a lot less mobility. I am past the time to travel in an RV because getting up and down the steps is now a hazard. Playing pickleball would find me “piddling” every time I hit the ball and I would definitely need Jesus to walk beside me in Jerusalem to catch me when I wobble and fall from all the cobblestone walkways.
But we are still alive to see the gifts God has bestowed to us. Independent grown children raising their children (our grandchildren) well. The way our grandchildren can make us proud with their intelligence, agility in sports, play games and make us giggle like we are 5 years old. A good solid roof over our heads, heating and air conditioning, water to drink and bath in. The changing of the seasons. The love and attention of a good dog who helps me get up, get moving and walk even if it isn’t as far as it once was. This is what colors our world bright and is a salve for our aching bodies.
I am thankful that I have my faith and I can trust God for what is and what it will be. I can see the grace and the mercy of each day. I pray that God gives me the acceptance to trust Him in this season.
Even if it’s not what I thought it would be. It is how God wants it to be.
“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” – Isaiah 41:10
Thank you for reading my post. If you have found it encouraging please consider liking, commenting or sharing it. Feel free to even re-blog – may these words take flight!
I have additional insights I’d love to share with you found in the pages of my debut book: Surviving Medical Mayhem – Laughing When It Hurts. To order a copy or learn more go to my website at www.lorettaschoen.com
Blessings for Health & Wellness.