On a recent Sunday during Hospitality after the 8:30 service, a wonderful older gentleman made this remark to me. I had inquired about a friend of his who had been ill; the news was not good and ultimately our conversation turned down the slippery slope of aches and pains and illnesses. He then laughingly noted that "growing old is not for sissies." Afterwards, he went on to speak with pride about his grandchildren, noting that he is currently enjoying the visit of a twenty-something grandson who is staying with him. As I said good-bye I thought about how quickly our conversation had turned from gloom to cheer, and realized that the seed had been planted for this article.
For those dealing with doctors,
lab tests and daily pills,
it's hard to not throw up our hands
and just give up.
As we become older, we are encouraged to exercise and eat healthy foods. Unfortunately for some of us living with chronic health issues, that advice seems almost too simple. For those dealing with doctors, lab tests and daily pills, it's hard to not throw up our hands and just give up. Why bother to exercise and live a healthy lifestyle when time, and disease, march on? Some days we would simply rather sit on the beach than go to the gym. Takeout is so much easier than cooking a well-balanced meal. Finishing that book is more appealing than walking two miles. A Diabetic I know confesses that some days she is sorely tempted to eat chocolate for lunch and two pieces of Key Lime pie for dessert. For some of us, growing old gracefully may be an unattainable goal.
Is there an alternative?
If our health fails us should we just give up?
For myself, I believe our faith in God will not allow us to do that. There is always hope, prayer and the comfort of our church family to lift us up. In time, we will all grieve for dear friends and become caregivers for family members. That's life, after all. As for me, just as long as I am here living it, laughing about it, complaining about it and talking about it; as long as I can listen to a friend talk about his grandchildren, be a volunteer, pay a hospital visit, plan a vacation or plant a garden, I am living life. Giving up is not an option.