More Years Is A Good Thing

As most of you know, I work in radio.   We almost always have a drawing or contest of some sort at our live events.  There is an entry field for age on our contest entry forms.  We actually don't record that information anywhere;  we use it for prize selection and for the types of letters that we send... so that a 52 year old doesn't get a Veggie Tales DVD, etc.  Inevitably, though,  we will have a woman at most events who declares "I'm NOT giving you my age" or some similar comment.   It always strikes me as funny.  What's the big deal?   Isn't it a blessing to gain years?  I mean really, if our age isn't increasing... then we are dead.   Who decided that age was something to be embarrassed or ashamed of?

Getting older hasn't bothered me much.  Maybe it's because most people associate declining health with increased age and I dealt with some serious health issues early on?  Perhaps it's due to the fact that I have gained some confidence and self awareness in the last several years (Thank you Jesus).  Whatever the reason, I keep finding that I actually am enjoying life MORE the older I get.

We have an opportunity to give hope to the next generations by living our lives joyfully at every stage.  Think about your phase of life and the possibilities that lie ahead.    How can you be a good steward with your life and your time?  What impact can you make?  What can you do now that you could not do before?  What can you try?  These are much more worthwhile things to focus on than fretting about wrinkles, gray hair or what you may have missed along the way!  (Disclaimer: In all honesty, I do sometimes fret and ask God why about things that have not happened in my life yet)

When I was little, I spent a decent amount of time around my great grandmother who we affectionately called "Nanny".  Nanny was a "no nonsense" and spunky kind of woman.   (She also made the most delicious dinner rolls that cannot be replicated).   My 92 year old great grandmother had beautiful long silver hair and I remember thinking I wanted to look just like her when I got older and that I would never dye my hair for the sake of coloring over grey.  Well, I'll admit once the wiry little suckers started to appear two by two like the animals entering the ark... I did start to color my hair... but I hope and plan to live with spunk, grace and impact ...  and to age with grace.   I'm happy to report that I'm almost 39.  Next year is 40.  That's something to celebrate... not dread!

Keeping the Scales Balanced

I feel like I often will get a pretty good handle on one thing in my little world but then inevitably I let others slide.

This past year as I have celebrated some milestones in fitness, I have also gotten behind in some other important facets of my life.   I'm trying to regroup and gain ground, but it makes me kinda nervous that as I focus and make some strides I'll lose focus on the areas I'm doing well.  I know that doesn't have to be the case. 

I think that exercise has become enough of a way of life for me that I'll be ok, but fear does creep in. As the Half Marathon draws near and the holidays follow right behind, I really have to stay motivated so I don't lose focus.   I also need to make my other goals just as much a priority as my running and fitness goals.

Time to pray for balance and consistency (again)!