A LOVE LETTER FROM GOD

Posted on September 7, 2022 by atimetoshare.me

This poem was written a number of years ago but might be a good way to send your children off to school. When there are so many dangers they must face each day – when they need encouragement – when they hope to be accepted and loved – God’s Word is always available to lift them up in all circumstances. This isn’t a message just for children, but all of us as we walk through each day. We are loved!

Do you know how precious you are to me?
Do you not feel my presence every second of every hour?
Do you know that I want to take your problems, your worries, your fears and place them all on my own back?
Can you see my hand working in your life – helping you to make hard decisions – leading you from temptation and pulling you closer to me every day?
Do you know I want you to prosper?  I have a plan designed just for your life.  It may not be what you want or expect, but it will be abundant.
Do you know that I am the only one who really loves you with an everlasting and divine love?

Do you know that I paid the ransom for the sins that have held you captive for so long? There is no need for guilt, I cover you with my protective wings.  The price was paid once for all.

Do you know that I was not afraid to lay down my life for you, because I can conquer death?

Do you know that I am waiting for you in heaven?  There will be no tears, no sadness, only joy.

Your room is ready!  Do you know?

KATHY BOECHER©

Posted in Poetry by Kathy Boecher, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , | 3 Comments

FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL

Posted on September 6, 2022 by atimetoshare.me

Well, it’s that time of year again. Time for parents to add to their credit card debt. Time for purchasing school supplies, backpacks, new clothes and shoes and the latest technology which will ensure your child’s success. All of this can put a strain on the average family. We all want to look our best and create the perfect impression. Going back to school has taken on a whole new meaning today. You almost have to take out a loan to supply your children with what they need. There I go again – sounding like an old fogey – but then again, I am. School costs have gone ballistic with the advent of technology. You have to admit it. All we needed was a three-ring binder and some loose-leaf paper – some pencils, a box of crayons and a lunch box. Of course, there were the new shoes and duds. It seems today that kids are spending an awful lot of money on ripped jeans. I should’ve saved all my old ones. I would’ve cleaned up with a garage sale.

Today there is no need to walk ten miles, uphill in a snowstorm both ways. Children are carted from place to place in the luxury of an airconditioned vehicle. Walking to school isn’t done much anymore, because of safety. Then there’s the issue of violence when they get to school.

Let’s take a look at children today.  This isn’t the norm, but statistics are showing that many of them are suffering from depression before they reach middle school.  Bullying is at an all-time high.  Children are committing suicide at an alarming rate.  Self-mutilation/cutting is not unusual.  Some are counting on drugs or alcohol to soothe the inner pain. They’re unhappy with their lives because something is missing from them.  They don’t have that fail-safe message that, even though we’re sinners, God loves us and has solved the problem.

Kids need to know they have a champion – one who will be with them throughout their lives, even when others fail them.  They’re longing for the safety and protection of a super-hero.  They want to know that they have merit, that they’re loved, that a wonderful future is already laid out for them, both here and in eternity.  We all need to know that.

Our children are on loan to us for a short time. They are a gift from God and belong to Him really. It is our obligation to make sure they know about their heavenly Father and the plan He has laid out for their lives. There is no amount of money that can buy that kind of insurance. When we place our kids in His protection, we’re putting them in the best hands possible.

Posted in change, Encouragement, time | Tagged , , , , , , , | Comments Off on FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL

WHERE GOD LEADS US

Posted on September 4, 2022 by atimetoshare.me
ART & POETRY BY KATHY BOECHER©

With every passing morning, through every dawning light,
Time flits from here to there each day, and withers into night,
If it would just stand still again, like golden days of yore,
We might enjoy the little things, that make us love life more

The quiet times with family, the reading of a book,
The smell of cookies baking, the singing of a brook,
The moments of togetherness that bind you close together
The sounds of peace, the voice of God, the kindness of the weather,

These things sound simple, but they’re not, they simply bring us life,
Reminding us of days gone by, erasing all our strife,
The old things bring new life to us, they simply can’t be shattered,
We learn from all our past mistakes and all that really mattered.

Posted in Art & poetry by Kathy Boecher, Faith, Life | Tagged , , , , , | 5 Comments

LIFE’S JOURNEY

Posted on September 3, 2022 by atimetoshare.me

This series of paintings was done about eleven years ago, by Paul Boecher. The poem by Kathy Boecher was written about four years later. I discovered these paintings recently and realized I hadn’t shown them before. Always finding treasures at my house.

ART & POETRY BY PAUL & KATHY BOECHER

A bumpy journey over rough terrain,

We start out fresh, but never are again,

Each day the challenges bring joy or pain,

We search for treasure and for earthly gain,

We suffer much when we cannot obtain,

Desire fills us with an ugly stain,

Sin overtakes and faith will often wane,

But still, there’s hope in time of heavy strain,

Satan launches his devious campaign,

Our Savior then unlocks each heavy chain,

And takes us to our heavenly domain.

Posted in Art & Poetry by Paul & Kathy Boecher, ART & POETRY BY THE BOECHERS, Heaven, Inspiration | Tagged , , , , , | 5 Comments

LABELS – TRUE OR FALSE?

Posted on September 2, 2022 by atimetoshare.me

Many of us remember reading this book in our teen years. I’m not sure why it was required reading. Maybe it was a way of discouraging promiscuous behavior. Maybe it should be put on the reading list again. The book was written in a time when labels were very much out there. We have them today as well, but not quite as much stigma is connected with them. The shame of wearing a tag to display your adulterous activity doesn’t happen today – or does it? When someone outwardly exhibits their sins openly, their label doesn’t bring the kind of shame it once did. It isn’t an effective tool and probably wasn’t even in Nathaniel Hawthorne’s day.

Today, most illicit behavior is right out there for all the world to see, hear or read about. In a world of instant news, there is nothing secret or sacred any longer. On the other hand, pride is becoming the seed of human behavior and it often leads to destruction. Pride is defined as a high or inordinate opinion of one’s own dignity, importance, merit, or superiority, whether as cherished in the mind or as displayed in conduct.  It’s easy to get caught up in those thoughts because we live in a world that is often considered “THE ME GENERATION.”

What would others think of us if they knew what was lurking in the deep, dark corners of our hearts?  How would we appear if all our sins were displayed like they were in “The Scarlet Letter” for all the world to see?  We all have hidden thoughts, desires and things we don’t want people to know about us – the ugly side of us. Only God knows our inner conflict. He knows our struggles and fears, but He still loves us in spite of it. We have been cleaned up – all labels have been erased by His own Son – we no longer wear the badge of SINNER on our chests. His unconditional love looks beyond our sin and sees the ransom – paid in full.

“Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves.” Philippians 2:3

Posted in forgiveness, Hope for the hopeless, sin, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , | 4 Comments

GOD, BLESS THE LITTLE LAMBS

Posted on August 31, 2022 by atimetoshare.me

Soon, the mad rush for school supplies, new clothes, electronic devices, dorm supplies, and the thought of packing school lunches will settle down and kids will return to classrooms. Their backpacks will be full, their new duds will match their anticipation for renewing old friendships and filling their minds with knowledge. Well, maybe not so much the mind thing. Moms will opt for cafeteria lunches and an additional bill for each month, or possibly choose to pack bag lunches.

The bag lunch was aways my choice. At first the lunches were amazing. I cut the bread into various shapes – made sure all the nutritional value was included – included an inspirational note inside and felt my job was done. By the end of the school year, they were lucky to get two slices of bread with peanut butter and jelly between them. For some unknown reason, I have this inner fear that I would forget to pack those lunches and be accused of being the worst mother of the year. In fact, my dreams continue to be filled with thoughts of not making those lunches. I never failed to do so in reality. It’s funny how some things remain in a mother’s memory for so long. Maybe there’s some deep psychological reason for this fear. Maybe I still have a hard time letting go of my children (even though they are all competent middle agers now.) It could even mean that my striving to be the perfect mother had nothing to do with the lunches I packed.

Sometimes we place so much extra pressure on ourselves to be what the world expects us to be, that we forget the real purpose of parenting. We can provide food, shelter, love and knowledge for our children, but the spiritual food they receive is just as important, if not more, than those other necessities.

Jesus often used children as examples in His time spent on earth. He talked about childlike faith -which is an unconditional acceptance of what they learn. He told His disciples to feed His lambs – not with earthly food, but the food of His Spirit. The one thing needful for our youth is not the amount of money we spend on them. It has nothing to do with their clothing, their stuff, their gadgets, but everything to do with their future. When we feed the truth of God’s Word, we’re giving them more than their daily bread.

Posted in Bible, Holy spirit, Jesus, parenting | Tagged , , , , , , | 7 Comments

FOREVER FRIEND

Posted on August 30, 2022 by atimetoshare.me

Many years ago, Carol King wrote a tribute to friendship in her song “You’ve Got a Friend.” When things are going bad and it seems like nothing is ever going to get better, it is good to know that there is someone who cares about us. Carol was writing about earthly friends, but sometimes we might even find disappointment in them. There is only one friend we can truly count on in times of trouble; in times of disaster; in times of pain and fear; in times of a hurting heart; all the time. His name is Jesus and all we have to do is call out His name.

When you’re down and troubled
And you need a helping hand
And nothing, whoa nothing is going right.
Close your eyes and think of me
And soon I will be there
To brighten up even your darkest nights.

You just call out my name,
And you know where ever I am
I’ll come running, oh yeah baby
To see you again.
Winter, spring, summer, or fall,
All you have to do is call
And I’ll be there, yeah, yeah, yeah.
You’ve got a friend.

Our forever friend is Jesus, but the friends we’re given by God, are a gift beyond measure. They can be your lifeline when problems assail you – your support when you feel hopeless or lost – and when you share the same faith, they can lift you up when you’re afraid or tough decisions need to be made.  Praise God for placing these angels in your life and lean on them when you need them.

Posted in Friendship, Jesus | Tagged , , , , , | 1 Comment

NO WORDS

Posted on August 29, 2022 by atimetoshare.me

Dear God, I surrender . . .

Posted in Uncategorized | 1 Comment

MEMORIES OF SUMMER

Posted on August 28, 2022 by atimetoshare.me
ART & POETRY BY KATHY BOECHER©

Ancient days,

Tranquility and peace,

Time to ponder all that is important,

Moments to smell the flowers,

To enrich,

To delight,

To foster imagination,

Through tendrils of motion,

Inspired rainbows of color,

Gentle breezes,

Quiet,

Peace,

Yet even in that serenity,

Lies turmoil,

Fear and anxiety,

Death,

Time changes,

We wonder where those winsome days have gone,

We long for one brief moment,

When we can simply be alone with God,

To travel this earth with Him,

To be lifted through the abyss,

To be carried by His strong arms,

We don’t have to wait,

He’s with us always,

Even unto the end of the world.

Posted in Uncategorized | Comments Off on MEMORIES OF SUMMER

BLESSINGS THROUGH LIGHT

Posted on August 27, 2022 by atimetoshare.me
ART & POETRY BY PAUL & KATHY BOECHER

Sunlight dances across brilliant blue skies,

Weaving a kaleidoscope of light and color,

Twisting and turning through boughs and leaves,

It balances just the right amount of a warm, comforting glow.

Each fragment of fractured light disperses into brilliance,

Tiny mirror like reflections float across the water,

Reflections of the blessings God sprinkles into our lives,

Capture those everyday things.

Cling to them with hugs of joy and thanksgiving,

Plant them firmly in your memory,

Never let them go,

They are God’s daily gifts to us.

Posted in Art & Poetry by Paul & Kathy Boecher, God, grace | Tagged , , , , | 7 Comments

NOT DEAD YET!

Posted on August 26, 2022 by atimetoshare.me

It may seem that anyone over 70 is ready for the grave, but we still have a lot to offer.  About one third of U.S. Senators are over 70 – nice part time job for a retiree – but I digress.  I was referring to the average Joe over 70 who has something worthwhile to contribute to society.

We often look at age as something way off in the distance – not pertaining to us – something our parents and grandparents are – until time catches up with us and we’re part of the senior generation.  What a rude awakening – a cruel joke, maybe – a fact of life which we must all face.  The benefits for seniors includes discounts at various venues, getting offered a seat on the bus (sometimes,) they get to know their doctors personally and they get to collect the unemployment benefits that were taken out of their pay checks every day of their working lives.  Isn’t that special.

You are often considered useless, because you’re physically wearing out and your mind isn’t as sharp as it used to be.  You don’t grasp technology and still use basic math skills to make change or balance a check book.  You grew up saving everything only to be living in a disposable society.

As a golden ager, I wish to say that I am not dead yet.  I still have a brain and a body that works most of the time. I have years of wisdom stored up in my pea sized brain and tons of experience in child rearing, teaching, encouraging, using my writing to reach peoples’ hearts and a whole lot more. Let’s look beyond the years and at the remaining days of these wonderful contributors to society.  They have much to give and deserve your respect.

Posted in aging, America, Inspiration | Tagged , , , , , , | 4 Comments

LIFE GIVING WATER

Posted on August 25, 2022 by atimetoshare.me

Yesterday the clouds were heavy with rain – the air grew oppressive under the weight of high dew point levels.
Within minutes the ominous clouds emptied in sheets of torrential rain upon the earth.
Within seconds the air lightened. The clouds were replaced with pristine blue skies.
In those brief moments, the earth was cleansed and refreshed.
We experience similar storms in life.
We can become burdened with the weight of sadness, worry, anxious thoughts.
We might gasp for air at times, thinking relief will never come.
Our hearts grow cold, our souls weary, our bodies and minds dry up
and sometimes our spirit dies.
It is then that God sends His refreshing waters – to renew us,
to satisfy us and to give us strength.
That living water is presented to us through His Holy Word.
It is the only place to find the rejuvenation that brings new life.

Posted in Bible, Life, Poetry by Kathy Boecher | Tagged , , , , , , | 2 Comments

A DOG NAMED BOB

Posted on August 24, 2022 by atimetoshare.me

Nothing much happened from one day to another in Bob’s life.  Each day was a complete re-run of the day before. As he sat waiting, watching and hoping for a shot at the disturbing Blue Jay that found great joy in driving him nuts, he nibbled on the last of his pancakes. A drip of syrup curled its way down to his chin. Bob wasn’t much for manners, so he didn’t do anything about it. Soon that little drip grew into a big globule and fell onto the plate, leaving a faint residue upon Bob’s chin.  He intently focused on the window in front of him. How could he be responsible for the stickiness on his face.  He’d get to that later.

Just as he was about to give up and call it a day, the pesty Blue Jay arrived and perched atop the mailbox. Bob became annoyed – his annoyance turned to panic – his panic drew him into a complete state of defiance. What should he do? Get the pellet gun? Call the department of natural resources? Finally the answer came to him. He found one of those flat rate shipping boxes and a butterfly net. Off he went on a crusade for the elusive Blue Jay.

Unbeknownst to the poor bird, Bob came at him from behind, encircling him with the net and placing him in the box. He addressed it to a Beagle friend in New Jersey who he wasn’t particularly fond of.  No matter how hard he tried he was unable to close the container, since he didn’t have thumbs. Bob was a dog, you see.

So the Blue Jay lived to see another day and Bob, the dog would try again tomorrow. 

Posted in Humor, writing | Tagged , , , | 6 Comments

ANGELS AMONG US

Posted on August 23, 2022 by atimetoshare.me

Your life seems to be traveling along normally and then, out of nowhere, another stumbling block – another unexpected surprise – another problem. It’s at those times we need God’s protection the most. I know He has an army of angels at my disposal.  My own particular guardian angel has been through quite a life and has earned her wings a thousand times over.  As my life slows down, I’m certain that she’s ready to retire.

Talk about dangerous encounters – I’ve had several.  Maybe it’s because of my naivety – lack of common sense or just plain stupidity, but you might call me a walking disaster area. When I was a young mother selling Tupperware, I found myself stranded on a bridge with an overheated car. My main concern wasn’t the car, but getting to my destination, so I could peddle my wares.

A kind man stopped and asked how he could help. He offered to take me to where I was going. Little did he realize that I had a ton of stuff with me. I left my vehicle and blindly accepted his offer of help.  He could’ve been a serial killer. On theway, he told me he had some frozen meat in his trunk and asked if I’d like to buy some. I told him, “No, but I have some containers he might like to purchase to put the meat in.” Neither one of us made a sale during that exchange. He dropped me off at my destination.  In retrospect I  wonder what could’ve occurred had not my guardian angel been with me.

Another time I was driving my old Monte Carlo home when the tie rod broke. I continued driving, not knowing the risk. Somehow I managed to steer the car for more than a mile before pulling over.  A friend came to my rescue and couldn’t believe that the car made it as far as it did.

Again, while driving our stick shift car full of kids, the stick came out in my hand as I downshifted.  All I could think to do was push it back in place so I did and it miraculously continued to work.

Some might believe that these were just happenstances, or that it might be a good idea for me to stay out of a car. I truly know God was watching out for me.  Sometimes we have to look for the miracles in our lives, but they’re there in more ways than we can imagine.

Thank you, Lord for defending me from danger even when I take foolish chances. I’ve done some pretty dumb things, but I know I can rely on your love and protection. As I approach the final years of my life, prevent me from making foolish decisions and watch over my guardian angel as well.  Amen!

Posted in angels, armor of God, Faith, trust | Tagged , , , , | 2 Comments

MONDAY IS FOR THE MOVERS & SHAKERS

Posted on August 22, 2022 by atimetoshare.me

We’ve just come off a weekend of relaxation, fun and letting our hair down.  Now it’s back to reality and the business of everyday stuff.  When you’re in your retirement years, most days can seem pretty much the same.  However, I find Mondays to be a good starting over point.

If you’re a regular church goer, you’ve had Sunday to replenish yourself spiritually.  Being in the Lord’s house and having that special time to nurture your relationship with Him is not only refreshing for our souls, but makes us eager to start a new week, with hope in our hearts.

I have long ago given up writing “to do lists.”  Most of the time I lose the list and forget what I was supposed to do, but if you are into scheduling your time for the upcoming week, try to fit these ten things into your list.

  • Find time to listen to someone.  Get to know them and show them that you’re interested in them.
  • Look for the best in others, even if you don’t always agree.  Try to understand why someone cut you off on the highway, rather than assuming he’s a jerk.
  • Share something – a good book, a funny joke, a smile, your time.
  • Tell someone why you love Jesus – how much He loves the world.
  • Turn over the tough stuff to God.
  • Spend time reading God’s message to you through His Word.
  • Put others needs before your own.
  • Remember that God is with you.  When things get really difficult, He will be there to carry you.
  • Do your best, know that you can do even better, try and don’t give up.
  • Pray.

Begin each day with prayer and thanksgiving for being carried through another night and given the blessing of another chance to live life and possibly even change the world we live in.

HAPPY MONDAY!

Posted in aging, courage, enouragement, Inspiration | Tagged , , , , , | 5 Comments

GERANIUMS

Posted on August 21, 2022 by atimetoshare.me

ART & INSPIRATION FROM KATHY BOECHER

A geranium is a herbaceous plant or small shrub of a genus that comprises the cranesbills and their relatives. Geraniums bear a long, narrow fruit that is said to be shaped like the bill of a crane. The word is derived from the Greek “geranos,” which means crane,

Each flower consists of tiny little blooms in a cluster, which is endowed with various colors.  The red ones are my favorite for planting in pots. They have been especially vibrant this year. The terra cotta pots show off the color and seems to accentuate it as well.

The smells of summer still hang in the air.

The potent fragrance of fertile soil.

The aroma of a bonfire after dark, whisking away mosquitoes.

The blooming roses cast their lovely scent as they cling to life, knowing only too well that their days are numbered.

The days grow shorter.

The last glimmer of sunlight is consumed by darkness.

In what seems like an instant crimsons, golds, rusts and brilliant yellows take the place of lush, succulent greens.

God has taken His paint brush and blended warm hues on His palette – placing the pigment on the landscape. He gives us one more brilliant display before the lifeless blanket of white spreads across the great expanse. It will be here before we know it.

Autumn!

Posted in aging, Art & inspiration from Kathy Boecher | Tagged , , , , , | 8 Comments

WHERE LIES YOUR TREASURE?

Posted on August 20, 2022 by atimetoshare.me

I don’t know about you, but pirates have always held a fascination for me. In the old days, we’d watch the swashbuckling antics of Errol Flynn.  Today we put up with the rum swilling Johnny Depp – a much more realistic pirate in my opinion and just as handsome.

Peter Pan and Treasure Island were filled with amazing tales of those who sailed the seven seas, fighting with their bare hands and often losing one.  The thought of being a pirate appealed to me for a while – until I came to my senses and started raising a family instead.  Talk about living the life of a pirate.  Parenting became my new quest and that’s indeed another series of posts.

Today I want to talk about treasure.  Not the kind you find in a barnacle filled chest deeply planted at the bottom of the sea.  Not the kind you can win by purchasing a lottery ticket.  Not the wealth that comes with hard work, but a real treasure that fills your life completely.

I’ve been on both sides of the economic scale.  Most of my life has been spent as a middle class American with enough to get by, but praying every day that there will be sufficient provision for each one.  I’ve also known wealth and even though we only experienced that life for a little while, there really isn’t much difference.  Fortunately, God had a different plan for me.  I say fortunately, because without that time of wealth, I would never have been able to volunteer 13 years to setting up and teaching drama to a group of high school kids.  That work led to a new career, after our wealth took a nosedive.

God’s plan always includes our welfare.  He loves us abundantly.  So much so that He sent His own flesh and blood to live among us and take the load of sin off our shoulders.  Without Jesus, we would be condemned to a life of eternal hell after death. Our treasure cannot be measured by how much we have in the bank or socked away in a mattress.  God is our treasure, and He holds the keys to heaven.  Knock and it shall be opened to you.  Unconditional love with no boundaries is the greatest treasure available to all of us.

Posted in Bible, God, treasure | Tagged , , , , , , , | 11 Comments

GOD WINS

Posted on August 19, 2022 by atimetoshare.me

 “If you are going through hell, keep going. One ought never to turn one’s back on a threatened danger and try to run away from it. If you do that, you will double the danger. But if you meet it promptly and without flinching, you will reduce the danger by half.” Winston Churchill

We all experience our own hell as we walk through life.  Some days are worse than others – some are completely free of it – while others hold absolutely no relief.  Winston Churchill spoke these words when in the midst of what seemed an unwinnable war, but they resonate for any circumstance we face in life.

Jesus, the true Son of God, Son of Man, faced off with the devil some two thousand years ago and defeated him.  His power has no hold on us anymore as long as we put our faith in our Savior.  We can even face the pangs of hell while here on earth and keep on pushing through with His help. God has clothed us in the fireproof garment of His Word and through it we can face the toughest challenges Satan throws our way.

There will be times when life seems futile – hours when fear tempts us – minutes that suck the life out of us – seconds that frustrate us.  With God’s armor, we have the protection necessary to make it through the fire.

Don’t ever give up.  God as a plan for each nano-second of our lives.  He is in control, and He loves us more than we deserve.  With Him we can face even the flames of hell, because He has already won the victory.

Posted in God, Hell, perseverance, Salvation | Tagged , , , , , , | 3 Comments

THE HARDEST TEARS

Posted on August 18, 2022 by atimetoshare.me

When we cry in silence, I think it’s probably the best time to communicate with God. Not that we should be sad when we pray, but that we feel so connected to Him, that we have no fear in laying it all out on the table. When we’re going through trials in life – when it seems those problems will never end, or we will never get the answers we hope for – when we come to the end of our rope – we can still count on the King of Creation to hear our prayers.

We are in the season of life where many of those we’ve known during our lifetime have passed away and are enjoying the benefits of heaven. It makes me a little jealous in wishing that I was there with them. I know that God still has something for me to do on this earth, so I resign myself to His will. It’s not easy though.

Tears begin to flow as I think about what Jesus has done for all of us.  He could’ve chosen another way to deliver us from the sting of death and darkness of sin, but He didn’t.  His love – God’s love – is so great that it was the only way.  His resurrection ensures our place in heaven, and I know without a doubt that my friends will be there with their Savior.  I can’t wait to be with all of them too.

Mountainous clouds entwine in a sky of black,
Filling with tears from the Lord of all.
He sees and He knows our tribulation.
The depth of our sorrow is in His hands.
There is nothing we can do to take away our sadness.
We cannot change the course of our lives,
But He has turned His tears to cleansing waters
Through the death of His beloved Son.
Washed – forgiven for sin’s deadly pain,
We can dance in His refreshing rain


KATHY BOECHER©

Posted in aging, armor of God, death, Poetry by Kathy Boecher, storms, stress | Tagged , , , , , , , | 5 Comments

THIS OLD FRAME IS FALLING DOWN

Posted on August 17, 2022 by atimetoshare.me

Have you ever felt this way? You feel completely alone. Your life is close to its end. You seem to have lost your way. Even though you know that God is right beside you, you think He isn’t really listening to you or your prayers. I think we all experience this at some time or another. When the world closes in and life seems overwhelming, there often is this feeling of complete isolation.

This morning I opened my computer and forgot why.  I was about to take my pills for the day and couldn’t remember if I had already taken them.  I looked in the mirror and saw the reflection of my mother and almost thought for a moment that she was actually in my bathroom.  We could’ve had quite a conversation, but then I realized that she’s been gone for several years now.  Imagine my shock when I realized it was me staring at me.

When I was a young woman, these things were called being forgetful and a klutz. Now it’s a result of age.  My thoughts of the years after retirement are like those fleeting moments when we completely dislodge from reality and go into the twilight zone – that new horizon where your skin loses its elasticity and shrivels up – our eyes fail, hearing fades and we are considered addled by time – in other words OLD!

When you go in for a physical you’re asked if you feel safe at home – do you fall – do you have someone to care for you.  They seem to think you’re ready to go out to pasture and leave the world in a week.

In my opinion, growing old means more than being able to pee, sneeze and laugh at the same time.  It means you’ve collected a lifetime of experiences – made it longer than most of your friends and still have moments of lucidity. You also realize that soon you will be in heaven and none of this other stuff really matters.

In the meantime, God has a reason for keeping you on this planet and it’s up to you to find out why. He gives you a free will to decide what you’re going to do with the rest of it. If you prefer staring out into space, go for it, but I can guarantee you this isn’t a good way to look at the rest of your days.

Posted in aging, anxiety | Tagged , , , , | 5 Comments