Age with Grace

There is nothing new under the sun. We can read that  in the book of Ecclesiastes.  Since we are mortal beings we will surely pass this earth in our lifetime. What makes it challenging, is we don't know WHEN? Many of us are in denial of this timeframe. Others do not want to talk about this either.  But listen to what God is saying with regard to this topic.

 "Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom." Psalm 90:12 NIV). 

How to number our days?  According to World Health Organization (WHO) data, "70 years was the average life expectancy at birth of the global population in 2012". Numbering our days is simply subtracting 70 to your present age.  In my case I have 9,855 days or 328.5 months or 27 years EXPECTED remaining days.  What is the importance of knowing this? Imagine yourself in a doctors clinic and diagnosed of ALS. Why ALS? It is because of that viral ice bucket challenge? I used this example because being diagnosed with ALS, they predicted 3-5 years terminal duration according to medical data. Now, if you can still function normally in 5 years, will you maximize the remaining years?  It might not be enough to accomplish many things, yet it will definitely change our mindset.   Because of the limited time frame.

All of us have our own numbers and it is on count down, it maybe before or after the WHO number.   Blessed are the youth who have much more to live, they should be given proper guidance to spend it in preparing their future, be it ministry, career, advocacy, family.  For us with below 10,000 more days left, we still have plenty of time to do meaningful things, to impact differently on others life.  Preparing for the future of our kids, so that they will have an edge in this very competitive world. Giving focus in developing their spiritual foundation to have that FEAR of God in their hearts.  Because this will be impact to what VALUES they will have, what BELIEF they will embrace and what IDEOLOGY they will accept.  And it has a direct impact on the WHO number, carefully read the following verses.

The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom; all who follow his precepts have good understanding. To him belongs eternal praise. (Psalm 111:10 NIV)

The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding. For through wisdom your days will be many, and years will be added to your life(Proverbs 9:10-11 NIV)

Aside from scientific approaches on how to "age with grace" the Bible has an additional life longevity tip. 

“Honor your father and mother”—which is the first commandment with a promise— “so that it may go well with you and that you may enjoy long life on the earth.” (Ephesians 6:2-3 NIV)

Respect of God and parents are key ingredients to age gracefully.