The Older Couple

I still laugh out loud when I think of an innocent statement made at church a few months ago. I was waiting between services for a friend of ours that was attending for the first time. I had made mention of this at our morning huddle.

As I was making my way to the doors, one of the ‘younger’ greeters came up to me and informed me that my friend was here. She apologized for not remembering my name, but when she said to my friend, “Oh, an older couple???” it was confirmed that I was part of that! I am banking on the fact that the innocent statement was meant with respect.

So lets rewind to most people that know me, or just to basic perceptions. I am the one who still thinks I am eight years old…I used to say twelve, but my daughter corrects me because she says that twelve year olds have potty mouths, and are seeking something different. She says I live in the land of rainbows, unicorns and perpetual sunshine….

I often present myself in front of a full-length mirror with a “ta-da”; arms out, twirl, and a smile. I wear my hair in a ponytail often and smile at hair bling! I wear big girl tights and leggings…sing and dance often in the house, and greet everyone with a big hug! I have not learned boundaries - that is for when I grow up! We have to stop for ice cream in the summer every time we leave the house. I draw and doodle with colored pens and send happy, fun emojis. I give blessings for being able to run up and down the stairs with glee, and when balanced, rarely feel my body beneath me when I am moving.

I don’t park in front of my bathroom mirror – it is more of a drive-by…and as long as I see a smile, all is well. I know there are wrinkles in that face – I don’t cover them with make-up, they are from smiling - have we all heard that before!?! Gray hairs – absolutely! They proudly and prominently crown my head, so I don’t have to stay in front of the mirror and count them.

I don’t know when I arrived at ‘older.’ Maybe it is the infinite wisdom I exude, the white hairs that entitle me to more authority, or maybe because older people always hug - but, either way, I now know that ‘You cannot judge a book by its cover!’ My cover may look old, but my story is not!

I am not sure what it means to be older, but I am sure grateful that the eight year old living inside me did not hear it – she was busy singing and chasing sunbeams on the way across the room that day!

As for the couple part; when I told the better half (who is nine years my senior) how funny I thought the reference was, his response was, “It must be you!”

So, maybe I forgot that I am turning sixty this month. All that means to me is that I can embrace the blessings and growth of six decades with praise and thanksgiving. I can embrace the gift of still wanting to whirl and twirl my healthy body with a big wrinkly smile and bright white hair. Best of all I can embrace anyone I want with my hugs, because that’s what ‘old people’ do!

...always be the love you are called to be