The Joys of Getting Older

I was thinking about the joys of getting older and then someone sent me a rather long but funny way of looking at the freedom that old age brings. I am going to copy it for you, but invite you to reflect on the joys of whatever age you are - our life is full of joy and we need not forget the many joys of each day just because Lent is coming. Lent is to prepare us to celebrate the joy of the Resurrection - eternal joy! In the meantime, I am so happy with everyday joys but also want to give joy to Jesus and to others by Loving!

Don't delete this one; you'll laugh when you see the return message.   I would never trade my amazing friends, my wonderful life, and my loving family for less gray hair or a flatter belly. As I've aged, I've become kinder to myself, and less critical of myself.. I've become my own friend. I don't chide myself for eating that extra cookie, or for not  making my bed, or for buying that silly cement gecko that I didn't need, but looks so avant grade on my patio. I am entitled to a treat, to be messy, to be extravagant. I have seen too many dear friends leave this world too soon; before they understood the great freedom that comes with aging.   Whose business is it if I choose to read or play on the computer until 4 AM and sleep until noon? I will dance with myself to those wonderful tunes of the 60 &70's, and if I, at the same time, wish to weep over a lost love..... I will. I will walk the beach in a swim suit that is stretched over a bulging body, and will dive into the waves with abandon if I choose to, despite the pitying glances from the jet set. They, too, will get   old.   I know I am sometimes forgetful. But there again, some of life is just as well forgotten. And I eventually remember the important things.   Sure, over the years my heart has been broken. How can your heart not break when you lose a loved one, or when a child suffers, or even when somebody's beloved pet gets hit by a car? But broken hearts are what give us strength and understanding and compassion.   A heart never broken is pristine and sterile and will never know the joy of being imperfect. I am so blessed to have lived long enough to have my hair turning gray, and to have my youthful laughs be forever etched into deep grooves on my face.   So many have never laughed, and so many have died before their hair could turn silver. As you get older, it is easier to be positive. You care less about    what other people think... I don't question myself anymore. I've even earned the right to be wrong.   So, to   answer your question, I like being old..  It has set me free.   I like the person I have become.  I am not going to live forever,  but while  I am still here, I will not waste time lamenting what  could have been,  or worrying about what will be.  And I shall eat dessert every single day (if I feel like it).