Age, Wisdom, & Beauty
There's something beautiful that happens with age. It's the growth. The settling in of wisdom. The development of character, even when knowing your flaws. It's accepting your uniqueness, as well as other's specialized qualities and personalized ways. It can be exquisite to watch, don't you think? The process of a human, body, soul, and spirit, as it moves throughout the years, we see such change, experience such emotion, and hopefully glean from the gift of it all. I was reading today some words that made me contemplate this big thought in a deeper way than I normally do. I've always viewed age as a captivating thing. I know that may sound odd, but I am an old soul you may say... always attracted to my elders, my mentors, and the theory of aging with grace. These are the words I read that compelled me to dig into the meaning of wisdom in our aging.
"You're blessed when you meet Lady Wisdom when you make friends with Madame Insight. She's worth far more than money in the bank; her friendship is better than a big salary. Her value exceeds all the trappings of wealth; nothing you could wish for holds a candle to her. With one hand she gives long life, with the other she confers recognition. Her manner is beautiful, her life wonderfully complete. She's the very Tree of Life to those who embrace her. Hold her tight- and be blessed!"
~ The Message, Proverbs 3: 13-18
The very Tree of Life- wow! This poetic translation of text makes me want to sit at the feet of wisdom all the more, intentionally weaving new understandings into each year of my life. We cannot, or at least should not deny that spiritual health is a real part of our holistic well being. Regardless of your faith, religion, or philosophy, this insight on wisdom certainly grants inspiration to wonder how we should live each day. Let me ask you, do you want to feel just as alive as you do at 61 or 71 as you did at 21 or 31? I believe we can! Age is not the final limiting factor. Of course, it takes a great effort to care for our wellness... our health will never let us neglect it without showing us the results. No exercise? Then you will find less strength and muscle tone in your body from neck to ankles! More empty calories in your food choices? That will be all the more pesky unwanted pounds to lose. We need to feed our bodies wholesome nourishment, but we also need to feed our souls clean, pure nourishment. Junk only weighs us down no matter what form it comes in. Take the nugget of wisdom today: Take better care of yourself, in every aspect. Be like a Tree of Life! I want to live out my days in being a life long learner, holding on tight to wisdom, allowing it to fashion me into the better version of myself- the one with more integrity, energy, and clarity! :-) I want to SHINE!
I leave you with this:
"The ways of right-living people glow with light; the longer they live, the brighter they shine." ~ The Message, Proverbs 4:18
Shine on, people!
In Grace,
Cara