It is really hard for me to believe that another Christmas Day is only three days away. Where does the time go? I know what the “old folks” meant when I used to hear them say, “Time sure does go by fast!” I know what they meant because I’m the “old folks” now.

Of course, I went to the heart doctor (yes, I said “heart doctor”) this week and during the examination he called me young and healthy. It made me feel good, but I thought to myself, “If I’m so young and healthy, why am I in YOUR office?”

Old Folks

I know I’m the “old folks” now because I’m more of a curmudgeon than I’ve ever been. Oh, I’ve always had a bit of curmudgeon in me, but my desire to be more Christ-like has often kept a little bit of a damper on it. The “older” I get, the more I realize that Lord still has a lot of work to do on the curmudgeon aspect of my personality. No, I’m not proud of that fact, but one of the ways the Lord can sanctify it is for me to put it out there in confession, so…

I also know I’m the “old folks” now because this body of mine doesn’t act like it used to act. My metabolism is slower, my muscle mass is shifting, my hair is more gray than brown, and I’ve got wrinkles in places I’ve never had wrinkles before. On top of all that, now I’ve got to deal with high blood pressure. I’ve never had blood pressure problems in my life! Then, the Lord gently reminds me–“Lynn, you’ve never been this old before.”

Talk about frustrating! And to add to the frustration this aging thing has put me in direct conflict with “Big Pharma!” I used to hear everyone complain about the high cost of medications. Now, I have personal experience that casts it in a whole new light. I’m learning that at this age I really can’t afford to be sick. I’m also learning that I can’t afford to get healthy, either.

I’m telling you…this whole “health” thing is nothing but a scam between big Pharma, insurance companies and the government. Those three just keep passing bucks (my bucks!) between their hands until its all gone, and then they come back for more. (Yeah. I know–curmudgeon, right?)

Grateful for Getting Older

Anyway, I really don’t mean to go all curmudgeon on you this holiday season. I am eternally grateful as I reflect on the circumstances of the past couple of weeks. I’m grateful that I’m alive. As the old saying goes, “I’m up and taking nourishment. It’s a good day.” I’m having a really good day!

I’m also grateful for doctors and nurses and other health-care workers who are compassionate and patient with curmudgeons like me. I’m grateful for their knowledge and wisdom, and their willingness to use it to heal. It is a gift they possess, and I’ll receive that gift as best I can, well, because I want to get older!

Getting older. That really is my goal. Well, kinda’ sorta’, anyway. Yes, I want to get older. I want to outlive my dad. My dad died when he was 63. I’m 61 now. Unfortunately, men in my family (on either side) don’t have long histories. A grandfather and a couple of uncles lived to age 72 (and I had 8 uncles). The rest all died before age 70. I get a little more health conscious with every day that passes.

Of course, I tell my children that I intend to live to 100, if for no other reason than to be a burden to them. We’ll see if that really comes to pass.

My Goal in Getting Older

My real goal in getting older is to grow in Christ-likeness…to grow in holiness. Honestly, I thought the older I got, the easier it would be. I’m discovering, though, the older I get and the more I desire to surrender, the more the Devil gets in my business and does all he can to slow the growth.

Isn’t it supposed to get easier the older we get? I thought the longer we walked with the Lord, the closer we became. Oh, yeah. I hear His voice in ways I’ve never heard before. Yes, I feel His presence in ways that bring strength and comfort like I’ve never experienced, but meeting that standard of holiness–well, that’s just another thing altogether. As desperately as I want to attain it, I find myself falling so far short.

It’s frustrating! It is as frustrating spiritually as this “old” body giving way physically. I don’t have any choice at this point but to rely on grace–His grace. The older I get, the more I need His grace to get me through. If I haven’t learned anything else, I’ve learned that.

The older I get, the more my life becomes a cycle of confession and repentance. Of course, the wonderful part of that equation is the experience of His forgiveness. He gently reminds me that His judgment and His mercy met on the cross of Calvary, and that mercy won. So, He shows me His mercy, and the older I get the more He shows me how much mercy I need. Thank you, Lord, for your mercy!

Wow! Some Merry Christmas message this turned out to be! Let me try again…

My prayer for each of you is that you will experience the peace, love and mercy of Jesus Christ this Christmas season…that He will abide with each of you as you grow in His grace, and that you will experience the joy of His mercy everyday in the coming new year…that as you grow older, you might also grow in holiness and in His likeness. May He be born in each of us in new and living ways this Christmas season.

Merry Christmas, y’all!

Until next time, keep looking up…