My siblings are scattered from Tennessee to various parts of Ohio, but we try to get Together twice a year. Today our gathering was at Danny's and my home, a new Location. But I served our traditional red Beet eggs, Mom's specialty. And our conversation was Familiar as we reminisced about Our growing up years on the Farm. Seated around the table I Noticed our frailties. Some of us are battling cancer and Cognitive decline. We're all getting old. At 79, I'm the youngest. What happened? Life happened. And we bear the scars. But we are overcomers and Our spirits were merry to match the season. I wondered, "Will our group be intact Next year?" But I pushed the question aside. We had today. We celebrated today. |
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I woke up to birthday greetings today on
Facebook. I've learned to take birthdays in Stride, now that I've had so many of Them. A card that I bought for a friend Years ago finally applies to me. "Congratulations! You are now too Old to die young." It's a benefit of aging. Thanks for your good wishes. I studied the picture.
The woman's hair style was Similar to mine, as were her Eye glasses, her age lines and Her wrinkled neck. I didn't know the woman, but I was Drawn to her obituary photo in The paper since she was the Same age as I. The lady had a pleasant smile, But she looked old, Really old. I cringed. The image caused me to ponder, To wonder how people view me. And it caused me to tell my Girls, "When the time comes, Please don't include a Picture of me in my obituary." I've learned as I get older that I
Am more fragile both physically and Emotionally. I joke at my limitations, but I find Them frustrating. It is hard to be brave when pain Strikes or emotional stress lays me Low. I feel afraid. I am humbled at my weaknesses. Nevertheless, I am encouraged. Paul proclaimed, "When I am weak I Am strong." * Weakness is not a flaw, but an Opportunity to draw on his Strength which is inexhaustible, Always available, Always sufficient. * II Corinthians 12:10 Audrey attends our Sunday service
Each month at the nursing home. An assistant pushes her in a Wheelchair because her body is Feeble. But fortunately, the lady's mind is Sharp, quite amazing since she Just turned 105. Because of her longevity, she's a Mini celebrity in the facility. "I've never met someone as old as You, " I told Audrey as I wrapped my Arm around her shoulder. I noticed she had a variety of Bracelets on both wrists. "Would you like another one?" "Yes." I added a gospel bracelet to her Collection. She understood as I shared the Meaning of the colors. Audrey said she had trusted in Jesus at some point in her long life. Earlier, I had shared an object Lesson about the changing Seasons and how we can apply Them to ourselves. I gave each resident a copy of Isaiah 46:4: "Even to your old age and Gray hairs I am He. I am He who will Sustain you. I have made you and I will Carry you. I will sustain you and I will Rescue you." Audrey is deep into the winter season Of her life. Her strength has ebbed and her body Has shriveled up. But selfishly, I hope our ancient sister Will hang on for another month till our Next service. Audrey blesses us just by being there. For sure, God is hanging on to her. Jesus loves me this I'm told,
Even though I'm growing old. Despite my wrinkles and weak knees, He sees my young soul underneath.
The years haven't been kind to
My face. When I look at my old photos I Wonder, "What happened to that Young woman?" I hardly recognize myself. But I take comfort in my friend's Observation. According to Patti, as time Moves on we tend to look beyond The outside to the inside. We see people's hearts. And praise God, hearts don't have Wrinkles. I told Patti I would write this poem. Thanks for inspiring me, Patti. The ancient lady greeted me at
The entrance to the senior facility. The first thing I noticed was her Beaming smile and her grateful Spirit. "They take such good care of us. And everyone here is so Friendly," she told me. Her cheerful demeanor was Contagious and seemed to Negate her deeply furrowed face. I want to copy that lady. It's humbling to look in my mirror and She how age is creeping up on me. But I hope folks will focus on the Smile creasing my face and not on The wrinkles. Driving home I noticed the two
Large banners draped across the Side of the brick building: Assisted Living. Since our populace is aging, Such facilities seem to be Popping up everywhere. I'll admit it. I need assistance, too, every Day in every way. I'm grateful for the friend who Brought me food when I had Covid, and for the techy neighbor Who installed my printer for me. I'm thankful for the gals who call to Say, "You forgot to lower your garage Door," and for the friend who stops by Just when I need someone to listen. Even when I'm unaware of my needs, God provides help in ways I couldn't Have imagined. Will I one day live in an assisted living Facility like a number of my friends and Family. Perhaps. But until then, I'll gladly accept help. And I'll offer it. "...your Father knows exactly what you need even before you ask Him." Matthew 6:8 |
Dorothy Kalb Hsu Seitzinger
Writing poetry has helped me process and express my sorrows and joys, my concerns and blessings. "Life is hard, but God is good!" Archives
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