Posted on: Saturday, March 5, 2005

By Mary Aley Wilkinson

My sons and their wives have departed after a whirlwind family reunion. Their robust outlook, sharp individuality and nontraditional views have left me feeling old. They are all good people with hearts for social reform. I love and admire them but realize the impact of being the "older generation."

It is hard to grow old in a fast-paced society that glorifies youth. I recall the words of noted photographer Richard Avedon: "Old age is terrible. There is nothing good about it."

However, the Bible gives us guidelines as to how we may age gracefully.

The Bible stresses a positive attitude throughout our lives. This is especially crucial to aging with grace. The apostle Paul faithfully served as a missionary despite tremendous hardship, but he always sang praises to God. Writing from prison, he addressed the Philippians: "Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing

I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me."

Faith is a component that can transform our lives when bones ache, minds are tired and dreariness and anxiety overwhelm us. We worry, fret, replay unhappy past events and become critical and unpleasant when we do not nourish our faith.

The prophet Isaiah proclaimed, "Those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint."

Faith is a recurring theme in the lives of biblical characters: the Centurion who requested of Jesus that his mother be healed, and the Canaanite woman who had faith that Jesus would heal her demon-possessed daughter.

The Bible stresses giving thanks and praise to the Lord. I remember, as a young girl we often visited an elderly farm couple near Cunningham, Kan. The husband died and his widow remained at the old, rambling farmhouse. My mother asked her, "Aren't you terribly lonely all by yourself?" The woman answered, "Oh, no, I'm never alone. Praise the Lord, God is always with me."

Many of the Psalms touch our hearts with their exuberant praises to God, like Psalm 118:24 ("This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it") and Psalm 30:11-12 ("You turned my wailing into dancing; you removed my sackcloth and clothed me with joy, that my heart may sing to you and not be silent. O Lord my God, I will give you thanks forever.")

Growing old is not easy, but it can be a source of spiritual renewal with the right attitude, faith and praise to our Lord. It can be a blessing to ourselves and to others if we maintain a tight relationship with God.

And then, it is always comforting to know that the more our days are numbered, the closer we are to God.

Mary Aley Wilkinson holds a certificate in lay ministry from the Bible Institute of Hawaii and is a member of Hawaii Kai Church.