I’m still not used to being considered a “senior citizen,” even though I have been one for quite
some time. How in the world did this happen? Like Rip Van Winkle, did I fall asleep and not notice when I
woke up, I was 20 years older?
Pablo Picasso said, “It takes a long time to grow young.” That’s what I aim for, to grow young. Of
course, it helps to have generous hearted friends tell me I don’t look my age either. However, there are
more and more of “us” all the time. There are now more than 78 Million Americans over the age of fifty.
Every seven seconds someone in America becomes 55 years old, a trend that will continue for the next
fifteen years. Yes, there are more and more of us, but are we growing younger?
In one of my old flip-over calendars I came across a statement, which did not credit the author, but
it says, “You are as young as your faith, as old as your doubt; as young as your self-confidence, as old as
your fear; as young as your hope, as old as your despair.” That’s worth reading again. It makes one really
stop and think, doesn’t it?
It’s important how we handle our doubts, fears and despair, as we get older. Maybe it isn’t the fact
we’re getting older that is so important as how we handle our doubts, fears and despair. Getting older is
inevitable, but our attitude, negative or positive, will make a difference in our life, no matter what age we
are.

I love the promise from Psalm 92:12, 14, “The godly will flourish like palm trees and grow strong
like the cedars of Lebanon. Even in old age they will still produce fruit, they will remain vital and green.” A
precious promise from the Lord as we grow older.
Norman Vincent Peale once said, “Live your life and forget your age.” Dr. Peale, known for his
positive thinking concepts, also encouraged spontaneity in life. One never knows what we might be
delightfully surprised with on any given day, if we are open to it!

Blessings,