We have a choice – we are either “getting old” or we are choosing to “grow older”. Growing implies an intentional mindset to keep learning. I also said “older” not “old” since “old” may have some pejorative connotations. I want to emphasize our need to grow as we get older. I reached a milestone this month as I applied for Medicare. I view this a milestone because I’ve lived longer than my parents. Here are some of my reflections on growing older:

As you grow older, you don’t need to act old. I find that grandchildren are great for keeping us young. If you don’t have any grandchildren, find a busy mom and offer to be a surrogate grandparent – you’ll both be thankful.

Growth implies change. If you don’t change, you don’t grow. If you don’t grow, you’re not really living. In what ways are you changing?

Growth demands a temporary surrender of security. You can stay in your comfort zone but you won’t grow. I’ve been participating in a number of races these past few years. Although my times are much slower than when I was younger, I’m placing in my age category! (There’s also a lot less competition in my age category.)

As I grow older I ‘m realizing that my certainties are less, but the ones I have are stronger. I’m also asking more questions. John Maxwell asks these helpful questions: “What do I know today that I didn’t know yesterday? (Learning); What did I let go of today that I held onto yesterday? (Unlearning); What am I changing today that I did yesterday? (Relearning)”

John Maxwell also reminds us that everything worthwhile is uphill, that’s why you need to be intentional. Too many people have uphill desires, but downhill habits.

I identify with the comment of Frank Lloyd Wright “The longer I live the more beautiful life becomes.” We must remember that it’s not the years in your life that count, it’s the life in your years.”

I’m so thankful for my life partner of 42 years and still going strong, thank you Jeanne! I give to you the words of Robert Browning, “Grow old (older – my edit) along with me! The best is yet to be.”

For those of you who may be fighting the aches and pains of growing older, be encouraged by Paul’s wisdom to the church at Corinth, “So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day.” (2 Corinthians 4:16). You’re trading the virility of the body for the agility of the spirit.

How do we grow old gracefully? The Psalmist gives us helpful advice, “The righteous flourish like the palm tree and grow like a cedar in Lebanon. They are planted in the house of the Lord; they flourish in the courts of our God. They still bear fruit in old age; they are ever full of sap and green,” (Psalm 92:12-14)

Associate Pastor – Discipleship.  The Church at LifePark

Professor of Discipleship, Columbia International University

Follow me on twitter:  rickhiggins5