More than likely you’ve seen the “How Hard Has Aging Hit You Challenge.”
As I looked at that profile picture from 10 years ago, I was struck by the face staring back at me.
Yes, she was ten years younger.
Yes, she was a bit thinner.
Yes, even her car was small and cute and got great gas mileage.
Yes, she didn’t have bags under her eyes.
Yes, her laundry piles were smaller.
Yes, her coffee dates with friends happened on a weekly basis.
Yes, she was on her way to a career as a teacher.
Yes, she was off on a spontaneous camping adventure with her husband and puppy.
But then I looked at my current profile picture.
Now, she’s ten years older, and it shows.
Now, her face is a bit fuller.
Now, she drives a large SUV with not-so-great gas mileage.
Now, the bags under her eyes never leave.
Now, her laundry piles resemble a mountain.
Now, time with friends is rare.
Now, she stays home instead of having a career.
Now, the camping adventures take planning and coordination.
There is no doubt about it: I am not the same as I was 10 years ago.
But as I look at the first picture, I can honestly say I like me better now.
I like the changes 10 years have brought.
The fullness of my face is an extension of the fullness of my heart and the beautiful babies my body has carried.
My SUV has space for the ones whose laughter fills my ears even as the gas tank empties my wallet.
The bags under my eyes are reminders of the sweet midnight snuggles.
The laundry mountain is evidence of time spent making memories.
The extra effort required to spend time with friends makes the moments together that much more meaningful.
Being a full-time mom means I get a front row seat as my children grow and the privilege of being the one to teach them.
Being who I am now with the family God has given me means every day is an adventure.
I’d say aging has been very kind to me. After all aging is a gift not everyone is given.
Rather than spending our days wishing away the wrinkles, bags, pounds, responsibilities, and __________, let’s embrace the days and years as the gift from God they are. Let’s love the women we are today and look forward to the women we’ll be 10 years from now.
“Do not say, “Why were the old days better than these?” For it is not wise to ask such questions. Wisdom, like an inheritance, is a good thing and benefits those who see the sun.” -Ecclesiastes 7:10-11
