To know how to grow old is the masterwork
Henri Frédéric Amiel
of wisdom, and one of the most difficult
chapters in the great art of living.
I remember the moment distinctly. I had ordered a sandwich and then questioned the price as it seemed too low. The response was, “I gave you the senior discount.” Wait a minute! What just happened? It took a second to pull myself together then accept the discount but the words left their mark somewhere deep within me. I’ve had time to ponder those words and I realize I had just passed over some unseeable line and into a stage of life I knew nothing about. It was a strange land I was not ready or prepared for.
Gratefully I’ve come to see things with older and more seasoned eyes and a spattering of wisdom. I am learning to accept living in this stage of life’s journey and it’s gifts of wonder, awe, surprises, moments of joy, and the strength and courage to face life’s difficulties. I’m also discovering the aches and pains of an aging body that comes with this new territory. I’m coming to know how to grow old rooted in the masterwork of wisdom. Even though it can be difficult at times I find the learning to be one of life’s greatest adventures. I’m enjoying this chapter of my life and the art of living it.
6 Comments
Tom Dills
Yes, it’s a bit of a shock the first time you receive a senior discount without asking for it. As opposed to the first time you didn’t get carded in a bar – you may or may not have even noticed. Fortunately there has been a big gap between the two!
Because I’ve been blessed with a favorable hair gene, I have a lot and it is just starting to show gray, so it may not be as obvious to others.
Aging is a privilege, and although it is accompanied by some aches and pains, so far it is worth it!
Monte Stevens
I expected some of you to have experienced similar situations. And, I’ve been blessed with gray hair that shouts old manism. I like my gray hair. Some say it’s s ign of wisdom. I’m working on that. Seems that now is a good time of my life to offer the gifts I have including ones I don’t know about, yet.
Faye White
I remember when the cashiers stopped asking if I qualified for the senior discount and just gave it to me. And lessons on aging happen daily. 😉
Monte Stevens
LOL Yes, each day offers opportunities for lessons. I call them adventures.
Ruth
As I did my Medicare counseling, I learned that our older years are no always kind….as are some of our younger years. I feel so fortunate to be able to enjoy them still moving around and being able to “live” freely. I don’t know how much knowledge I have to share and no everyone wants to hear it. The irony of it is we have it to share and no one wants to hear it. God gives me each day and I am beyond thankful for each and every one.
Monte Stevens
I also am glad that I can move around and function well. That’s a good life some don’t have. I’ve also found that I spent much more of my IRA on medical stuff then I really wanted to. I figured it would be used just for travel and toys I really don’t need.