Getting old is no fun. Joints creak a bit, metabolism slows down, and you can’t always remember why you went upstairs. Then, there are people who mention how cool your grey hair looks, or how the music always seems so loud at your house. And as soon as it’s dark out there, all you want to do is stay home. Can anybody relate?
I have three smart, beautiful, successful children who are in their thirties, and I admire their stamina and their thought processes. Actually, I sometimes wonder how it is possible that these amazing people came from my womb. They are sharp, interesting, and able to do so many things that I actually don’t understand. They also tackle an unbelievable amount of projects at once with a level of energy that I forgot was possible. And I am not a weakling, mind you: I wake up quite early and run a demanding, successful business. But in reality, it’s nothing compared to what my children are able to accomplish on a daily basis.
And to tell you the truth, I was a bit jealous… until the other day, when sitting in our sun room, we got talking, my husband and I. We talked about our children’s lives, their accomplishments thus far, their dreams and the possibilities that lie within each one of them. We smiled, paused with comfortable silences, and smiled some more. The conversation moved on to where we are at this stage of our lives, and we pondered our aging bodies and minds, and the future that isn’t quite a long as the past–on this side of heaven at least. And as we talked, the words took us along a different path, and we considered age versus youth, and what makes one desirable compared to the other.
And we concluded that age, it really does have advantages, the greatest one maybe being the lessons that life has taught us. Our kids make wise decisions, and they reap the benefits thereof, but yet, there is a layer of the decision making process that they lack at this point, regardless of how mature they are. And this one layer, it only comes from putting in the time. You can’t learn it from books. You might believe older people who tell you about it, but you still don’t “get it” until you yourself have gone through what time teaches.
Time teaches that every moment counts, and the string of moments make the necklace that we proudly or shamefully wear. And that necklace, it only is because we lived the moments and it is those moments that brought us to here, and there is no hurry at all. And there is no turning back, because you can never erase any moment. All of your choices make you who you are, and that necklace, you have to wear it whether you like it or not.
And yes, absolutely, my kids would say they understand and agree, but still… only time lived makes this real to us down to our toes.
And that is the advantage that time gives.
Sometimes, I link up with any or all of these wonderful writers: Hearts 4 Home, SDG, Hearts Reflected, WLW, EOA, Things I can’t say, Growing Home, Play Dates with God, Monday Musings, Hear it on Sunday,Inspire Me Monday, Tell me a Story, The Better Mom, a Mama’s Story, Into the Word, In and Around Mondays,OYHT, Gratituesday,Titus2Tuesdays, Extraordinay, Lessons from Ivy, Denise in Bloom, Sweet Blessings, Faith Filled Friday, Finding Joy, WholeHearted Home, Mom’s the Word, Reclaiming a Redeemed Life, Still Saturday, Wildcrafting Wednesdays
Yes! Time teaches so many things. There is so much wrapped up in being older, more aware, more insightful, more thoughtful, more many things. And the experiences we have are exactly what shape us, just as you said. I know that the time I’ve been part of thus far really have taken me (internally) to a different place, the one I’m in now, but I also know only more time will give me more of that awareness, thoughtfulness, and slowing down. 🙂
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you are so so right! Let’s do this well…
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I like this a lot! This is why I am so very thankful God has placed older, godly women in my life at different seasons to mentor me. My mentor and I met last month and she shared some incredibly wise and timely insight. I told her, “This is why I need this time with you…..I would have never thought of that!” I pray I will keep putting in my time and be able to share what I do have to offer to others at this season of my life.
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“Time teaches that every moment counts, and the string of moments make the necklace that we proudly or shamefully wear.”
So true. Thank you for putting this in words. I’m glad I came by.
visiting from UNITE linkup
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Your grown children are a blessing to you and your husband. It is comforting to know they are talented and doing good work. You too are talented to run a business and be active in todays world. It is certainly true that Hand’s on Experience is the best teacher. Yes, as we age, there are those creaks that occur. ( I just placed an order for some vitamins that are supposed to help your ears and hair. LOL) Thank you for sharing with us here at Tell me a Story.
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Wonderful post which spoke to my heart probably because I also wrote on aging & how quickly the days are passing. You have made a beautiful point – – “only time lived makes this real to us down to our toes.” Grateful for all I have learned in my years thus far. Blessings!
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Stopping by from Testimony Tuesday. I enjoy your writing and this is great insight.:)
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Thank you Katie! Enjoy Him today.
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I love this, you are exactly right, only time and age add that special layer that speaks of experience and wisdom. I love that you husband and you can sit and chat and contemplate life, what a blessing. Thanks for sharing at Good Morning Mondays. Blessings
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Beautifully said! I, too, sometimes lack stamina when faced with a busy day. But, experience and time (age) bring a quiet wisdom and even an “acceptance” of the joys and challenges of life that youth lacks. Stopping by from Wake Up Wednesday.
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As I get older, I’ve learned – as you have – that there are advantages to aging that go along with the creaky joints.
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Your post resonated with me, as I watch my three kids make their way into the world. “Time teaches that every moment counts, and the string of moments make the necklace that we proudly or shamefully wear”…Love this! Such encouragement for all of us who are aging!
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Your post resonated with me, as I watch my three kids make their way into the world. “Time teaches that every moment counts, and the string of moments make the necklace that we proudly or shamefully wear”…Love this! Such encouragement for all of us who are aging!
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This is beautiful. Those kids are blessed to have you. Thanks for linking up at #ThreeWordWednesday.
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I love this view on aging. I was talking yesterday with a friend how I wished I had the energy of my 20s, but the maturity and stability of my 30s (now 40s). Chasing small kids at this age is exhausting, but I love having some maturity of my years. Your view gives me even more reason to appreciate age.
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Found you on Still Saturday, and glad of it! You have successfully negotiated the process that I am still working on: an emptying nest and adult children. Thanks for your words of wisdom.
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[…] Harvest on all those hours of hard work. Harvest of serenity, and settled spirit, and strength of character built over years of practice. Harvest of joy in view of all the advantages that age produces. […]
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