^{"She has reached the age of appreciation"} 

“You shall stand up before the gray head and honor the face of an old man, and you shall fear your God: I am the Lord.  Leviticus 19:32

While looking out my window today I watched a little lady take a stroll down her driveway and it took me back to precious memories of my own granny.   This little lady is what some might call “up in age”.  She drives a little slower, walks a little slower and she speaks with elegance & grace and yes, that too is a little slower.  She’s never in such a hurry that she doesn’t have time to smile and wave or greet with a word of encouragement from across the way.  She’s got silver and gray strands running through her thinning hair and there are quite a few “life lines” etched in her face.  Her hands have brown age spots but that never keeps her from offering a soft pat on the shoulder or a little pat on the top of my grandchild’s head.  Some times she will stop and look around and you might even catch her closing her eyes, taking a deep breath then smiling as she imagines the wind blowing her a kiss, or the sweet aroma from the flowers God planted just for her.  She listens as the birds serenade a special melody and she cuddles into the warmth of the sun’s rays that enfold her as she gently slides her bare feet across the soft cool blades of grass.  She laughs as she hears the children playing and offers to help each time she sees one of the neighbors doing a chore.  She brings homemade goodies over for the holidays and apologizes for them being a little late or a little over done.  She has plenty of time to listen to anyone but finds that conversation is rare with the “younger folk” who are all too busy to give her a moment.  She has a wealth of knowledge that has been learned from years of trial and error but the “younger folk” don’t think it’s relevant for them today.  She knows how to take flour, baking soda, salt and a sprinkle of this and a dash of that and make the best bread you’ve ever tasted. Sadly the “younger folk” don’t have time to get their hands dirty kneading dough; they are too busy working to earn it so they can go spend it; usually on themselves.  She is entertained by God’s creation, moved by the simple things in life and she lives each day with purpose.  She has reached the age of appreciation and she knows how precious life is and how fast it passes by.  She has seen many changes in her life and lost many loved ones along the way.  She seems to be able to put things in perspective.  Her little bones and joints are bent out of shape but she’s learned not to let the rest of her get bent out of shape over things that do not matter in the big picture.  She realizes things can be replaced but loved ones can not and the value of family and friendship will out last any 401K.  She chooses what she says a little more carefully than most because she’s learned carelessly spoken words have devastated lives, broken many a heart and even caused world wars.  She could teach us all a thing or two but sadly, we see her as a person of lesser value, a burden or just another “little old lady” that needs to get off the road because she’s slowing us down.  I think we are missing one of God’s greatest gifts.  I think we need to see her as a precious heirloom that should be treasured.  I think we should make a point to sit with her, learn from her and give back to her what she deserves; our love, respect and most of all…..our time.

There are “up in age” folks everywhere, perhaps you have a family member or a neighbor. I challenge us all to find someone that our family can “adopt” and share time with.  No banking system or stock market venture could ever compare to the measure of return you will receive for your investment.

Life was never intended to be lived for “us four and no more”.  Share your heart and your lives with others and you will be blessed.  When the Son of God was demonstrating His greatest act of love it was on a cross with His arms wide open.  Open your arms to someone today and let them know that you love them because He first loved you.