It’s easy to assume that aging automatically brings wisdom, but I have seen older people caught in foolishness, acting like unrestrained children.
Abraham Lincoln once said, “Every man is responsible for his own looks after 40.” He was referring to bitter lines or laugh lines on the face. Hearing this when I was young, I was determined to have a good face after 40.
But what would that take? Cheerful thoughts? Kindness? Forgiveness? I wasn’t sure.
In my forties, someone at church said to me, “Whenever I see you, you’re smiling.” That surprised me—but I loved it. It was during a season when things were good. I felt blessed and had a sense of connection with God. The presence of the Lord filled the worship time at church, and soaking in the presence of the Lord was my favorite thing. I became acquainted with joy.
But I didn’t know how to sit in His presence at home, alone. It took years for me to discover how. As if some kind of barrier prevented break through unless I was with others.
When a huge storm blew through my life, I felt adrift rather than anchored in His love and goodness. Sorrow etched my face. Tension gripped my shoulders. Joy vanished.
“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.” Prov 9:10a KJV
But I had run away from God, afraid of feeling. I had run from the very one who could bring me the healing I longed for.
When I ran out of my own meager resources, I wondered if I could reconnect with Him like before. It took a season of seeking, listening to an audio Bible, learning more about His character, His patience, and unrelenting love. But then I finally saw Him as bigger than my problems. I learned I could trust Him. And I came closer to Him by reverential awe of who He is.
Wrapped in His grace and love, I found healing. Spending time in His presence has brought me increased wisdom.
And I hope my face reflects that.
