Back in the early 60s when I was a young teen, Dad took me to an Artur Rubenstein concert. For those of you too young to recognize that name, Mr. Rubenstein was a well-known pianist of the last century.
You’d think a thirteen-year old would be bored at a classical performance. Far from it. Mr. Rubenstein’s flying fingers held me spellbound. Sometimes he’d even come up off the bench, putting body and soul into the piece.
One selection in particular Dad and I will never forget. While performing “Ritual Fire Dance” by DeFalla, Mr. Rubenstein’s arms beat up and down like hummingbird wings, from head level to keyboard, in rapid succession. How could he possibly bring his fingers down to the right keys from such a height and at such speed? It was a marvel of power and precision—from a man who was seventy-five at the time.
(You can access a video of Mr. Rubinstein playing “Ritual Fire Dance” here: https://youtu.be/3SDeN9ZrRRI. To view just the DeFalla piece, skip ahead to minute #11; to see just the portion described above, skip to 11 minutes, 30 seconds.)
Yes, older folks can still fly—maybe not physically like Mr. Rubenstein’s fingers, but certainly attitudinally and spiritually.
Our youth can be renewed like the eagle’s (Psalm 103:5).
The eagle enjoys a long life compared to many other animals–up to thirty years in the wild and fifty years in captivity. Each year its feathers are renewed, providing new strength for flight.
We can renew our strength attitudinally by focusing on the benefits of growing older.
Yes, research has uncovered a number of advantages, including:
- Improved self-esteem, self-control, and selflessness.
- Decreased sadness, anger, fear, and other negative emotions. Stress and worry also decline.
- Less concern for the trivial; more focus on what’s important.
- Increased wisdom, due to a wide base of experience and a broader perspective on life.
- Less attention on the negative, more focus on the positive.
As a Christian senior, I’d have to add:
- Increased faith in God as I’ve seen more evidence of God’s faithfulness.
- Greater appreciation for the simpler things of life—each one a precious gift from my loving Heavenly Father.
- The glorious hope of heaven as it grows closer to becoming reality. John Newton said:
(“I am still in the land of the dying;
I shall be in the land of the living soon.”)
I like his perspective.
We can also renew our strength spiritually with the help of God.
Just as the eagle rides on the wind high above the earth, we too can ride above our infirmities on the wind of the Spirit. He provides renewal of faith, strength, and passion in numerous ways—through scripture, song, other biblical reading, strong teaching, mature Christians, and more. Then we can:
- flourish and be fruitful (Psalm 92:14).
- stand firm and immovable (1 Corinthians 15:58).
- always give ourselves fully to God’s work (same verse).
- run and not be weary (Isaiah 40:31).
Here’s an idea: Let’s start a list of advantages we observe in growing older, to help keep us uplifted on wings of praise.
What “blessings of aging” have you noticed? Please share in the comments section below. (If you’re still enjoying the first half of life, tell us what you’ve observed in others, or what you’re looking forward to.)
“The last chapter in life can be the best!” – Vance Havner
(Art & photo credits: www.youtube.com; http://www.freeimages.com; http://www.azquotes.com; http://www.wildlifeworkshops.com; http://www.pinterest.com.
From the Inside Out 
Nancy,
Very true and our relationship to God grows nearer and dearer as well even though we have had one for a long time. as you know we continue to grow as we study and lead bible Studies and has even more Blessings for us and pray. God is so very good to His children.
Thanks and Blessings, Janet
AMEN, Janet! What was that old hymn? Sweeter as the Days Go By!
Amen, Nancy! My body reminds me (frequently) that it’s “ever so much more than 20,” but my heart is growing younger by the day!
And, Mitch, your sense of humor is one of the important things that keeps you young! God is the original humorist–he made the duckbill platypus!
Good for you, Mitch. Keep up the younging!
Thanks, Nancy, for this encouragement! I’m thinking that growing “old” and doing it well is an acquired skill set, and something that should be done intentionally. So glad we’re in the same corner of the blogosphere.
Oh, yes, Dawn–to grow ever more gracious as we age would be a beautiful thing! And intentionality certainly accelerates the process. Thank you for your wise observation! (P.S. If you’d like, there’s another post–“Works of Art”– for more on that same idea. You can use the search tool to locate it.)
What I have learned especially within the past year is that life is much less frustrating when I place my full trust and faith in the Lord. It has taken me years to take my worries and LEAVE them with the Lord. (I am a work in progress, as I continually have to remind myself…hands off!) I am not in control; He is! What a relief and blessing.
And I love the John Newton quote:
“I am still in the land of the dying;
I shall be in the land of the living soon.”
Something to look forward to!
It IS a lesson in perseverance to place our full trust in God and leave our worries with him. But each experience makes our faith stronger so it doesn’t wobble as much the next time! Yes, we’re all works in progress, needful of frequent reminders. Praise God he understands, brings relief, and continues to bless us abundantly. Thank you, Cheri, for sharing from your heart!
Wow, I have missed reading your posts, my friend! I always learn new things (Renewed feathers and amazing concert pianists in this one–Mr. Rubenstein is unbelievable!) or come away with meaty bits to chew on…often both. Thank you.
I am learning to not get so worked up about things that don’t really matter. It’s okay to have differing opinions, and I am even learning that I don’t have to be right. Most things people differ on, including non-essentials of the faith, simply distract us from what we are to be about. Shining the light and love of Christ in a darkened world.
Wonderful post, Nancy. I have some catching up to do after this busy, busy season!
Thank you for visiting whenever you can, Rebeca, and leaving your kind comments. I know your to-list must be a mile long–what with school, a wedding, a new blog, the old blog, etc., etc. I’m honored you squeezed me in! 🙂 And praise God for his inspiration and creativity that weaves ideas together. I love to see what he’ll do next!
Read this just today: Growing older is like climbing a mountain: the higher you get, the more strength you need, but the further you see.
INGMAR BERGMAN – seems to fit your post.
That’s a great quote, Jean, and does indeed fit the theme of this post. Thank you!
Great perspective indeed, Nancy. We’ll soon be in the land of the living! Can’t wait!
Thank you, Sheila. Contentment in life does flow out of perspective, doesn’t it. And with eternity’s values in view, our contentment is increased all the more. (Did you ever sing that old chorus, “With Eternity’s Values in View?” It comes to mind now and then, and always refocuses my priorities and attention!)
No Nancy, I don’t think I have sung that chorus. It sounds new to me. But that title sure sums things up, doesn’t it?!
I guess you’re too young to have sung it! 🙂
Not sure of that. Maybe the churches we attended just didn’t sing it!
Amen to ALL of this, Nancy. My dad was a Rubenstein fan, too, though I never saw him live, only on television and, of course, LPs playing in our home.
Greatly appreciate the Amen from your corner, Diana!