Stepping Stones: It Really Is A Choice

Transformational Tip

Aging may bring the loss of mobility, hearing, sight, sex, independence, cognitive ability, friends and loved ones…and other cherished abilities and treasures. Each of us has a choice how we will react to these losses.

We might choose depression, becoming overwhelmed with a sense of being useless, but even worse, being a burden to others. We might choose anger and resentment because of the loss of control and independence. However, if we choose to dwell on what we no longer have or no longer can do, then we will miss the great opportunities still open to us.

Although it is normal to grieve our losses, we can choose to concentrate on the relationships, abilities and opportunities that are still ours.

These words from Paul can be an encouragement to us as we go through the aging process ourselves or care for our parents: "I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through him who gives me strength." Philippians 4:12-13

You might think, I’m not old, so this doesn’t apply to me, but I’ll pass it to an old person I know. Well, the way you handle getting older will be determined by how you “practiced” handling loss during your age 10-55.

Today, try not to focus on losses…that’s an entitled mind set. Focus on thankfulness for what you do have, concentrate on Jesus, knowing that He will enable us (and our parents) to still serve Him…and to bless others.

Click here to share your perspective with the Stepping Stones community about dealing with losses.

Prayer
Dear Father God, help me to dwell on the positive in this season of my life…the good, not the bad, what I can do…not what I am unable to do. Guide all aging parents to focus on the positives in their lives, and guide us younger ones to practice these skills now. I thank You that we can pray in the name of and do all things through Jesus; and all God’s children say - AMEN!

The Truth
Summing it all up, friends, I'd say you'll do best by filling your minds and meditating on things true, noble, reputable, authentic, compelling, gracious—the best, not the worst; the beautiful, not the ugly; things to praise, not things to curse.
Philippians 4:8

Today I have given you the choice between life and death, between blessings and curses. Now I call on heaven and earth to witness the choice you make. Oh, that you would choose life, so that you and your descendants might live! You can make this choice by loving the Lord your God, obeying him, and committing yourself firmly to him. This is the key to your life.
Deuteronomy 30:19,20