Aging: the silver lining - Nesdoly

In June I shared some thoughts about writing and aging on my personal blog. Did you know, for example, that some agents won't take on aging writers? It can be a depressing time, with a lot going on - and off.

Of course, aging can also be a time of satisfaction as we take on new roles, strategize on how to age creatively and reflect on a successful writing career. There must be something to recommend it, considering all the characters aged 50 and older in recent novels.

Despite all the cliches about aging, as Christians, we really shouldn't be all that concerned about it. Here's why:

• God has planned each one of our days (Psalm 139:16).

• Even though their number is limited (Psalm 39:5; James 4:14), God promises us His attention, direction and success (Psalm 32:8; Isaiah 30:21).

• Our general assignment is to be faithful stewards of the time, talent and opportunity we've been given (Luke 12:48; Luke 19:12-26).

• God has a specific job for each of us too (Ephesians 2:10). Bible characters like Abraham, Moses and Caleb illustrate that when one's assignment isn't complete, age is no obstacle. In other words, God's purposes aren't hindered by His vessel's advancing age.

• Finally it is God who determines what our life's work is actually worth (I Corinthians 3:10-15) and He's the one we need to impress. Os Guinness calls it living before the "Audience of One." (The Call, p. 70).

As we focus our attention on the things above, we can be as oblivious to the advancing years as the woman described in Proverbs 31: "She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come." (Proverbs 31:25)

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Violet Nesdoly's web site
Line upon line: writerly blog
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