Finding joy in the everyday

It is my birthday this week and I have reached a significant age. This is the one age that I am not overly keen on reaching as it feels so old.  But I was pulled up sharp by this quote — my sister died as a tiny baby, she never reached 10 or 20 and certainly never got to 50. A friend I went to school with died from cancer in hers 30s. She was vivacious woman, full of life and energy — taken too soon. Age is only a number — it does not define who you are We must be thankful for every year that the Lord gives us and enjoy each precious moment because we will never enjoy it again and we have no idea of tomorrow.  Remember you only have one life — this is not a dress rehearsal Old age doesn't mean the end of fun or laughter, nor does it mean giving up and having no more adventures. I do pray that I have many more years to live and that those years are full of living. Whilst I am not keen about being 50, one can do very little about it. I can't stop reaching 50,...

At 92 Wanda wrote this beautiful poem about ageing and hope and where our focus should be throughout our lives. So whilst your wrinkles increase and grey hair appear and walking becomes more painful — just remember, it isn’t about the gift wrapping at all. Thanks Clara for sharing this with me :) The gift and the jewel by Wanda B Goines I looked in the mirror and what did I see? But a little old lady peering back at me With bags and sags and wrinkles and wispy white hair And I asked my reflection, how did you get there? You once were straight and vigorous And now you’re stooped and weak When I tried so hard to keep you from becoming an antique My reflection’s eyes twinkled and she solemnly replied. You’re looking at the gift wrap and not the jewel inside A living gem and precious of unimagined worth Unique and true, the real you, the only you on earth The years that spoil your gift wrap with other things more cruel Should purify...