By Lauri Lemke Thompson
I awoke that late August morning to find a birthday card propped on my dresser.
The card read “For My Beautiful Wife-A Birthday Wish Filled With Love.” A lovely pink card with an equally lovely sentiment. I was grateful for his kindness because at this age I rarely feel beautiful. That evening I was surprised to find another envelope inscribed “Another Card” (typical of my husband’s humor). When I opened it, I saw “You’re 70” with the 70 emblazoned in shiny red numbers—seven inches high!
“I didn’t know if you’d feel bad if I reminded you of your age or not,” he explained, “and I didn’t want to spoil your day, so I gave you a nicer card first.”
I married a man who is eight months younger than me, and I never hear the end of it, so I appreciated the sensitivity he exhibited that day! It’s not like I didn’t know I was hitting 70—a milestone which for me did, admittedly, mark the official start of “old age.” My body had been sending me messages for years that this was coming, so I certainly had plenty of time to prepare.
I hope this doesn’t sound boastful, but I had pre-determined not to let this birthday get me down—and I succeeded! How does one pull that off? Well, I simply started a few years back reading, receiving and claiming God’s promises about old age, not the least of which is “They will still bear fruit in old age, they will stay fresh and green.” Psalms 92:14(NIV). Okay, so I may feel wilted and fading, but God’s Word says “fresh and green” so I’m going with that.
Elsewhere, I am told “…Though outwardly we are wasting away, inwardly we are being renewed day by day.” II Corinthians 4:16-17 (NIV). I can relate to the “wasting away” part—another version says our bodies are “wearing out,” and I say Amen to that! That’s decidedly a downer, but on the plus side we get renewal. It sounds like my heart and soul can be refreshed and energized by Jesus every single day. I like that—and I think it will make the “wearing out” of my body a lot easier to handle.
Further, “Is not wisdom found among the aged? Does not long life bring understanding?” Job 12:12 (NIV). Wisdom and understanding? I want those too. This is good stuff for an oldie but goodie like me. This verse implies that when we were young we were foolish and didn’t have a clue. Based on some of our decisions, if we’re honest, that’s fairly accurate, isn’t it? I pray that in my senior years I will show both wisdom and understanding.
In Psalm 71:18 the writer says “Even when I am old and my hair is gray, do not forsake me, my God, till I declare your power to the next generation, your mighty acts to all who are to come.” (NIV). Gray hair? Yup, got that! But despite old age, I still have at least one important purpose—telling others about Jesus and all the wonderful things He’s done.
Finally, the coolest of all: “You shall rise before the gray-headed and honor the presence of an old man.” Leviticus 19:32 (NKJV). Assuming that includes women, that means people will rise in my presence and give me honor? I doubt it, but one can always dream. However, even if that homage never happens, how marvelous are His promises to those of us who are finding ourselves in the golden years. Thank You, Lord, for how You care about us and provide for us even in the later chapters of our lives on this earth.
While challenges related to aging undoubtedly lie ahead for me, I’m going to be leaning on my Lord’s promise in II Corinthians 1:8 and 9: “He will also strengthen you to the end, so that you will be blameless in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ. God is faithful; you were called by Him into fellowship with His Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.” (HCSB). If you are a senior citizen, don’t go it alone. Walk with Him. He will strengthen you to the end.
[The title is a twist on the 1960s tune “You’re Sixteen, You’re Beautiful and You’re Mine.” I am grateful that, even though it’s been over five decades since my cake sported sixteen candles, both my husband and my Creator have said, “You’re beautiful and you’re mine.” The lyrics for “You’re Sixteen…” were written by Robert and Richard Sherman.]
Lauri’s Bio
Lauri Lemke Thompson retired from a career in Human Resources and Communications. Having grown up in Wisconsin, she and her husband spent 28 years in the Carolinas before retiring to Branson West, Missouri. Hitting Pause, a collection of encouraging articles, was published in 2020, and she writes on a regular basis for the Branson Tri-Lakes News.
