God’s grace has brought me full circle. I see my glass as half full, never half empty as I face my 67 th birthday with a sense of wonder, joy and anticipation similar to that of my youth.

Retirement affords a leisurely lifestyle, allowing me to “take the time to smell the roses,” and to pursue activities that give me the most pleasure and purpose. Despite the inevitable physical and emotional challenges that come with aging, His grace enables me to meet them contentedly without complaint. Even in a world that emphasizes youth and physicality, I hold my head high and disregard those who mock my limitations and dismiss me as a useless old lady. I can rise above my frailties assuming an attitude like that of the young people I know who face physical setbacks saying, “No big deal, I can hack it.”

Paul and I move at a slower pace, but the joy of being together keeps us going. We derive pleasure from the simplest pursuits. The county library is one of our favorite haunts. We take our time browsing the shelves and exit with an arm load of books to read as we sit before the fireplace.

We are regulars at our town’s antique and junk shops where we usually find something to take home. Paul will spot an item that like us, is a bit time worn, its beauty hidden beneath what the eye can see. He is a genius when it comes to removing dents and nicks, perhaps adding a fresh coat of paint or polish and restoring luster and life to some old object that someone had no more use for. Our collection of antique floor and table lamps is the result of Paul’s refurbishing skills.

I have to say we are well known in the local restaurants and shops, especially since Paul gave in to one of his lifelong desires to own a fire red Mustang. Paul is having a wonderful time driving his brand new toy, while I sit silently ask Jesus to protect us. The roaring engine on this car is not an indicator of speed. It’s engine just roars. He is an excellent driver, but he likes to push the car to the limit. There are roads where he can “let it out,” as he says, but it is understood that I will not be a passenger at those times. I am, however, less jittery than I was, and he has become more considerate. So we’ve reached a truce. But our flashy new car has become a topic of conversation and heads do turn as we tool around town.

I credit my husband with inspiring and motivating me to keep moving no matter how I feel. I watch him working in the yard, in his workshop and around the house despite the tremendous discomfort and pain of Parkinson’s disease. I bask in his constant attention and efforts to pamper me. I’ve been advised to let him do t what he needs to do, so I accept his assistance with tasks I could ultimately do myself. I swallow my pride and let my husband take care of me as he has always done. And I do I enjoy the breakfast he prepares and serves me every morning.

I have accepted that I cannot be a liberated woman by earthly standards, but I am, indeed, liberated by spiritual standards through my dependence on Christ. I feel and see God’s love all around me—in nature’s beauty, a loving family, and faithful friends. To me these are the reflections of God’s care and love, why life continues to be exciting and I find pleasure in even the smallest things. 1 Cor.13:12 says, “For now we see in a mirror dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part, but then I shall know as I am also known.”

God shows Himself to me in all the wonders of life that surround me in nature and in numerous enjoyable pursuits. So I remain content in life and look forward to a future with the Creator of all of life’s good things.

Glimpses of God
Your overwhelming love
The wondrous gifts you give
Glimpses of you that are Heaven sent
Affirm my faith and keep me content
As I see you Lord
In life’s mirror dimly