Christian Women Aging; Carbonated Holiness & a Loving Truth about those Birthdays

by Marsha Lenski
(Decatur, IL)

Ahh. . .a latte' moment with you. It's so good to be together to think quietly and talk openly about our God's goodness in our lives, isn't it?

There's so much to be said for women and aging, and I think that's why I loved being challenged to inspect this issue with you. As women of God, we are shown a much different perspective on this touchy topic than the world's spin. The self-deprecating focus to keep our bodies looking 18 at any and all costs, while desperately trying to hold on to a smile, looks more and more like simply a ploy to get our money that leaves us with less hope than we had when we WERE 18!

Got a comfy chair? Alright. . .Got a question.. .or two. . .

How do we 'laugh at the days to come' as described in Proverbs 31:25? Don't you want to be remembered as a truly loving woman and not 'that tough old bird!'? Can we love laughing in the face of hardship or evil? Is there anything to be said of having a kind of holy craziness as a woman who can face trouble, even face the mirror, and still laugh?

I love how that says, "I have confidence in God!" How do we grow to become more of a safe place for ourselves (now there's a new slant) and the precious people in our lives? Is it too late to live with more of a marked compassion and ability to connect with others soul to soul?

We can acclimate our eternal souls to the values of heaven right now and laugh at every birthday party they give us, bless 'em!

Party. Did someone say party? I have always loved having a party on my birthday, and my husband knows it's true. It sure focuses everyone's attention right at the center of my little universe.

You know, I really believe in God's sense of humor, because the green light to write to and talk with you about all the glorious truths concerning aging and staying beautiful came on my birthday. It's true. My husband was sensitive to ask me what I'd like to do for my big day and almost keeled over when I said I didn't want a party.

Things are changing, and I'd have to be blind not to notice. Let me tell you how the Lord in His tender love orchestrated June 3, 2009, for me. Never be surprised at how He speaks with you. I saw a miracle on my birthday this year that will keep me smiling the rest of my life.

As June 3 crept closer these last few weeks, I talked with God about how much I've noticed His answers to my forever prayer. The one about growing up. I happily see His progress in me, and that pleases me so much, but I'm still concerned with some thinking that steers me wrong, especially while I can see my body changing so rapidly. I was grieving and didn't know it.

The Lord your God is with you, He is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, He will quiet you with His love, He will rejoice over you with singing. Zeph. 3:17 (NIV)

There was this lady. Not young, not old. Needy. Oh, my goodness. She came into my life at Easter when she came forward alone at our church service at the Civic Center to rededicate her life to Jesus Christ. God put me beside her in the discipling (mentoring) program our church was commissioned to do through Pentecost. There was something about her that I couldn't put my finger on, but her life and mine most definitely had a Divine appointment.

Then there were two other ladies. Friends from forever, who always celebrated my birthday with me, helping my husband with a party and doing so many wonderful things for me to make me feel loved and appreciated. We were close for lots of years. Close in the love of Jesus.

I didn't hear from them this year. Not a word. I knew how our lives had drifted in new directions when John and I moved to the country and each of us began attending different churches. Distance. Time. When I didn't hear from them on my birthday, I knew it was time to trust God and look at what it was He wanted me to see.

My husband is a busy executive who travels a great deal for business, and my children now live far away. Poor me. . . I said, "God, I'm going to be alone on my birthday this year, I just know it, and You know I'm hurting. I'm so grateful for the wonderful life You've given me, but only You could know the loss I'm feeling. I miss my family and my old friends. And Lord, You know which birthday this one is. . .the numbers aren't getting any smaller! Hold me tight, Lord Jesus, because I really do want to 'laugh at the days to come'."

He did. He prodded my heart and He answered my prayer. He showed me Lisa and the reason for her new presence in my life. Though I am her mentor, she had something wonderful to show me through the needs in her life.

I invited her to spend my birthday with me because I knew she, too, was alone. She had no home but a borrowed one, no family but those who abandoned her, no job to provide an income. . .just a beautiful smile and a heart for Jesus that radiated.

I had been there once, and I knew it. She loved watching my life. She practically jumped up and down at the invitation, and looked so lovely when I picked her up in my new convertible and she in her borrowed clothes.

When we sat down for lunch at a place that made her eyes sparkle, she quietly told me she had no money. Imagine. And imagine again my joy build as I watched her excitement grow through the afternoon of lunching and antiquing and visiting my new home where Lisa couldn't quit rejoicing with me in the blessings of God.

She loved little Lucy, our chihuahua. I had carefully stacked some pretty clothes to give her (is it a surprise that she's my size?), and I forgot all about the sadness I had expected to find in June 3, 2009.

Lisa wasn't jealous of my life, she helped me find a new appreciation in it as we enjoyed its blessings together. Here's what she said in the birthday card she gave me: " Happy Birthday, Marsha. God has richly blessed you and yours, and YOUR FATHER in heaven celebrates this special day, and I'm happy for that blessing for me to share, too. You blessed a broken heart and did not despise."

Just like God. . . He is so good! Don't you love the sound of His voice?

Until next time . . . .keep listening with me! Blessings to you.