When shock and reality collide.
I have turned Sixty!
“Turned.” Makes one think of milk that has gone past its expiration date and soured.
There should be a better word for turning over a new number: “achieved,” maybe? “I have achieved Sixty” kind of has a ring to it, don’t you think?
But SIXTY?!!! I am in as much disbelief as when I turned 40 and felt 24. Sixty is just impossibly crazy.
So, what is SIXTY like?
Sixty is finding out that you are not immune to the aches and pains you used to roll your eyes at.
Sixty is having a wildly inspired idea, and forgetting it 15 minutes later.
Sixty is realizing that those old people over there are several years younger than you.
Sixty is finally knowing what you should have done when you were 20, and making peace with your regrets.
Sixty is having the experience and discretion to understand the strengths and weaknesses of your parents’ generation, your own, and your child’s.
Sixty is trying to figure out if the weather is heating up or if you’re having a hot flash.
Sixty is looking forward to Act III, the “legacy” years.
Sixty is learning to date all over again, but with more money.
Sixty is the relief of realizing that no one really cared about what you were doing anyway.
Sixty is having all the answers when no one is asking the questions.
Sixty is finding you have a wealth of hard-won wisdom, and the courage to finally speak up.
Sixty is wondering if your life has been well-spent, and if it’s too late to make a change.
Sixty is when you realize gratefully that phrases from God’s Word have become part of your own inner voice.
Sixty is a drift toward self-made ruts, and the converse determination to try new things.
Sixty is waking up to the realization that your husband is more handsome now than he has ever been.
Sixty is wondering where you left your phone while you’re holding it in your hand.
Sixty is when the role you had with your children and the role you had with your parents switch places.
Sixty is accepting the fact that there are just some things makeup can’t fix.
Sixty is wanting to yell, “Just because it’s legal doesn’t mean it’s not idiotic!”
Sixty is realizing resentment is getting you nowhere you want to go.
Sixty is being twice what you were when you were thirty.
Sixty is enjoying books and movies more than once because you’ve forgotten the plot line.
Sixty is when your eyesight helps make your wrinkles fade.
I am so tempted to keep going until I have 60 thoughts on Sixty. Number 30 would be like, “Sixty is when you repeat yourself.” And then 31- 60 would be a repeat of 1 – 30. And those of you over sixty would politely read it, unflinching.
Instead, I will finish with this one, to which I will cling until I am one-hundred and twenty:
Sixty is being certain that while God’s methods are often unique and surprising, his love and faithfulness are steadfast, solid and unchanging.
Because of the LORD’s loving devotion we are not consumed, for His compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness! “The LORD is my portion,” says my soul, “therefore I will hope in Him.” Lamentations 3:22-24, BSB
Happy to be
Sixty.
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