In September, my 65th birthday brought me to the realization that I am well into the second half of my life. Despite the current cultural emphasis on youth, I feel proud and contented to be who I am and where I am in my life. God has blessed me richly, and I feel as if all my heart’s desires have been granted.

I can say this even though the past few years have brought changes that initially seemed traumatic for Paul and me. We are faced with physical challenges that will inevitably limit our mobility. We must consider the prospect that we could be separated should the time come when we require nursing home care and are unable to find accommodations at the same facility.

Fathers, mothers, siblings, children have moved out of our lives, but we have always had each other as we face life’s traumas, just as we have had an abiding faith to sustain us during those times.

In Matthew 28:20 Jesus tells us, “Lo, I am with you always even to the end of the age.”

This promise, more than other previous promises, has given me the courage and strength. To persevere Through difficulties, and the capacity to face the future unafraid, knowing Christ is with me and around me at all time gives me capacity to find contentment and joy in life’s precious moments regardless of circumstances. I see and hear my Savior as he speaks to me, not in an audible voice, or a physical body, but in the miracles set the broken bones I had sustained in a fall. Paul had gone home to pick up the insurance card we had left behind in our hurry to get to the appointment for which we had been “squeezed in.” So I was alone anticipating the inevitable pain I would endure when the doctor examined and manipulated my swollen and bruised hand. To calm myself I meditated on the scripture that told me I was never alone. Suddenly, I became aware of a window above and behind me, which framed a lovely and calming sight of beautiful trees, their bare winter branches silhouetted against the gray January sky, and tiny birds flitting from limb to limb.

The strength and beauty of that scene stirred my artistic sensibilities and love of nature. Then I heard a voice say, “Yes, I am here, strong and enduring as these winter trees I created for you to enjoy.” Contentment filled me as I awaited the doctor. I remained calm through the pain of his manipulations, while he set and bound by broken left hand. Relieved to see that the casts are now made of fiberglass, rather than plaster which was messy and drippy when applied, and hard and uncomfortable to wear, I listened to my husband and the doctor bond as they chatted about race cars and RPMs, completely distracting me from my ordeal. Silently I offered up a “Thank you, Dear Lord.” Ensuing days have brought much pain, and finally, healing. And I look forward to resuming my usual activities—caring for home and family and returning to church.

HIS LOVE IS ALWAYS WITH ME

I see and feel His strength
In the soaring reach of winter trees
He reminds me of His love
In birdsong melodies
In His word He tells me
I will never be alone
And in the lovely gifts of nature
I am told I am His own

© 2007 Rosemary Sinclair