We have heard the phrase, “Getting Old is Not Fun”. Well, I’ve decided to embrace my maturing journey and make it fun, adventurous and blissful. Grant it, aging has its challenges, mostly health wise: weight gain, aches and pains of the unwelcomed cousin Arty, and night-creaming the wrinkles away. Yes, there are times that I complain that it is NOT fair that I have to work so hard on maintaining a healthy weight to remain in a size 10-12. Yet, I find ways to make the elliptical my best friend. When I received my first gray hairs, I fought them with vigor and dye, only to lose the battle when they reappeared the next week…I gave up the fight, succumbed at best and embraced the “silver” with pride and joy, desiring to see my hair look just like my grandmother’s.
As I mature on this journey of life, God has allowed me and my husband to enjoy the splendors of His creation: witnessing the birth of all five grandchildren, traveling to various parts of the U.S., Latin America, and now residing in another country and experiencing the diverse cultures of Europe! We are on a special journey during this extraordinary time in our lives. This sequence called life, has building blocks connected for the next adventure on this journey. Every day as I travel to and from work, experience the high tempo workload, mentor personnel, share an encouraging word, see the snow, sunshine, fog, clouds, and rain; as I experience the birds chirping at 3:30 AM, and witnessing the most stunning sunsets at 9:45 PM, I feel like I have touched heaven! Most of all, I am grateful to have my husband, not just along for the ride, but sharing and embracing this special journey as we both mature.
Maturing is not to be feared, but embraced. On this journey of maturity, we will be courageous, embrace it gracefully, pursue strength with wisdom and demonstrate a deep appreciation for life and the blessings of God.
Remember, aging (maturing) is an attitude; you decide how you will embrace it as you travel life’s journey.
“My mouth shall shew forth thy righteousness and thy salvation all the day; for I know not the numbers thereof. I will go in the strength of the Lord GOD: I will make mention of thy righteousness, even of thine only. O God, thou hast taught me from my youth: and hitherto have I declared thy wondrous works. Now also when I am old and grayheaded, O God, forsake me not; until I have shewed thy strength unto this generation, and thy power to every one that is to come. Thy righteousness also, O God, is very high, who hast done great things: O God, who is like unto thee!” Psa 71:15-10 (KJV)
Florence R. Smith is a self-motivated professional skilled in directing and organizing tasks to achieve overall mission objectives. She has been employed with the Federal Government since December 2004. During her tenure, she was deployed to Kabul, Afghanistan for six months and had a tour in England for three years. She serves in many capacities within the Gospel Spreading Church of God.
Florence has a Bachelor’s in Business Administration and Master’s in Technology Management, both from University of Maryland University College; and a Master’s of Strategic Studies Degree from the U.S. Army War College. She is a published author and owner of Teachable Moments Press, a Christian publishing company. A woman with a message of hope, encouragement, and inspiration, Florence will leave you motivated and inspired in fulfilling your purpose!
