October is one of the most popular months. Who does
not like the vivid array of colors, the cooler days, pumpkins, and harvest
moons? Then, there are the corn mazes, fresh pressed apple cider, and harvest
parties.
This month is the prelude to the onslaught of the
holidays, a pause between summer and winter. We catch our breath before gearing
up for the busier season to follow.
Change. Seasons change. Weather changes and we
change. It is inevitable. Some we welcome, like the seasons, others we fight. This
struggle does not delay or alter the change. It only causes more stress and
conflict, fighting a battle we cannot win.
Since entering the Golden Years, I have seen many
changes. The world is certainly not the same as it was in my childhood. Some
changes were for the better, others not. The political and spiritual unrest is
disheartening as well as frightening. Then, there are the more pronounced
changes in my physical appearance. I may be able to skip the news for several
days, but my body continues to remind me of my age.
I decided after some careful reflection, (pun
intended), not to worry about my physical changes. I am aging, and there is not
any cosmetic trick, or surgery, that will disguise it. It might camouflage it
to some degree, but we’ve all seen the sad sight of women who go to extremes in
their search for eternal youth. The result is rarely what they hoped. At this
age, less is definitely more, and it is better to accept the changes and move
on to things that are more important.
For me, I would rather count my blessings than
bemoan things I cannot change or control. For a perfectionist, that’s the same
as an alcoholic admitting they have a drinking problem. Perhaps I had to live
the changes before I understood how little control I have. I suppose experience
does give the age a little more wisdom than youth, if we choose to learn from
them rather than fight against them.
And so, I look forward to this new season and plan
to enjoy each moment. Winter storms will be here soon enough, but God is
already there. With Him walking beside me, I can accept the changes in the weather,
and in my life, with some dignity and peace. After all, letting go, accepting
what I cannot change, and giving it to God, is the wisest of all choices.
Thanks...I needed this this morning, as I nodded while reading each word. Thanks! I agree.
ReplyDeleteWe are rarely alone with our challenges. Someone has already been there or going through it. We don't have to look very far to find empathy and support, do we?
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