Thoughts on Getting Older

Are you the type of person that keeps journals, or scrapbooks?  I used to do both on a regular basis. I still journal but haven't done scrapbooking in a very long time.  Everything is digital now, I seldom print any of my photos.

During the height of my scrapbooking days I celebrated my 50th birthday. Like every good scrapbooker, I documented the occasion with photo pages, and thoughts and well wishes from family and friends.

I thought it would be fun to see the thoughts I had when I turned 50.

Things I wrote

*I am surprised at how quickly 50 arrived
*I don't feel 50
*Realizing I am now middle aged
*Lot's of changes on the horizon, soon to be Empty Nester's
*Family and friends so kind and generous in remembering my birthday
*Realizing just how blessed I am to have the people in my life that I do

Fast forward ten years.... lots of water under that bridge...and so many changes I never saw coming, that's right I am now 60

My thoughts today

*I am still pretty amazed at how quickly time passes
*There are days when I feel every bit of 60, or what I think 60 should feel like and other days when I don't
*I wonder if I am I still considered middle aged or did I cross over into old age. By definition if I was in the middle of my life span, I would have to live to be 120 to still be considered middle aged....right? Guess I am old..lol
*When I turned 50 I knew changes were on the horizon. The year I turned 50 one son married and another graduated high school and went away to college.
Looking ahead into my 60's, the future is not as clear, there maybe a move to a smaller home, or maybe not, maybe retirement, maybe caring for family...there are so many variables. One thing I learned in my 50's is that life can change in a moment ....but I also learned that I can be sure that God will faithfully guide our steps whatever the path.
*And I am continuing to be blessed with the people God has put in my life..and have been overwhelmed by the kindness I was shown by so many friends in celebrating this birthday...it was truly special.

We spent my birthday simply, doing the things I enjoy doing. My husband had asked if I wanted a party (he asked because I don't like surprises) Because all family was out of state I told him no, I just wanted a day out with him and a quiet dinner someplace nice. We went to Williamsburg, did a little shopping and took some photos out by the river, it was perfect. The only *almost* wrinkle was when I talked about going to a different restaurant then we had planned.... at the last minute. You should have seen the look on my husbands face...He told me that we were not changing our plans....little did I know he had arranged to have flowers waiting for me at our table.

60 doesn't feel any different than 59....it really is JUST a number. If you were to ask me what age I would want to be if I had a choice, I wouldn't pick any other age...no do-overs please! Yes, I would love more energy, and the aches and pains can be challenging.....but at this age I have a history of seeing God's faithfulness in all kinds of situations. It gives me faith for the future....no matter what that may look like.

How did you do with your most recent "milestone" birthday? Did you handle it well?

Fruit basket was from my little Frontier Family, it was a perfect ending to a perfect celebration.