Have you ever heard the phrase “growing old gracefully”? Now that I have reached that “certain age,” those words have significant meaning. But it is interesting to note that the deportment of one who is graceful does not start when one reaches a certain age or approaches those seasoned years. In fact, the “seasoning” of life starts years earlier, oftentimes when we are giving it little consideration. When I looked up the definition of graceful, it seemed to broaden my perspective, and connected with a scripture that I had focused on for the day. I found the connection quite interesting and very relevant. Dictionary.com describes it as someone or something that moves in a smooth and controlled way that is attractive to watch. Also, something that is graceful is attractive because it has a pleasing style. Being graceful was something my mother instilled in each of her five daughters. I cannot say that it came naturally, but it certainly was not an option in our household. I must say for that I am most grateful!

In one of my devotional readings for the day, I came across I Timothy 4: 12 (NLT) which says “Don’t let anyone think less of you because you are young. Be an example to all believers in what you say, in the way you live, in your love, your faith, and your purity.” In this passage of scripture Paul is addressing and encouraging his spiritual son, Timothy. Although Timothy was not a teenager at the time, he was considered a young man compared to the elders he was in company with. As I pondered this scripture, I began to think outside the box . . . what if we substituted the word “young” with whatever stage of life we currently find ourselves in? For example . . .

“Don’t let anyone think less of you because you are middle aged.

“Don’t let anyone think less of you because you are in your senior years.

Suddenly that scripture took on such a broader meaning. It really spoke to me, and I hope it resonates with you. It is in the words that follow that it becomes so profound. “Be an example to all believers in what you say, in the way you live, in your love, your faith, and your purity.” You see as we grow older, we have experienced so much more of life. We did not just experience it, we survived it and we’re still here to tell the story! You have a story to tell that will help and encourage someone. And your story can be lived out oh so gracefully! We did not always know how to carry on intelligent conversations, our words may have caused trouble for us and others, maybe we were judgmental, sometimes even participated in “drama.” Still life has taught us some things, oftentimes through trial and error but we are wiser because of it. We have learned that our words have power – power to destroy and power to build. Be an example in what you say. Some people tend to think that having a good life is a result of good luck. Not so, but “good” is a part of successful living. Life is about striving to be the best you can be, and believing you were created for greatness. Recognizing God is not a respecter of persons gives us a basis in which we can establish the foundation of a good life. One that will not only be admired but modeled by others as well. Be an example in the way you live. The Word of God tells us that charity (which is love), is the greatest of any characteristic we can have. Demonstrating love to others, walking in love, allowing our speech to flow in love is an example that should grow and increase because the God we serve is love. Be an example in your love. As believers we have learned along this journey of life that even when it seemed like we were forgotten and those things we dreamed of and prayed for were not going to come to fruition, God ultimately fulfilled His promises His way. We held on, continuing to profess our faith, and God moved on our behalf. Be an example in your faith. Christian living isn’t always easy. Doing what we know is right when at times wrong is so tempting and much more accessible, has benefits rather than repercussions. Striving to live holy, and pure brings rewards far beyond our expectations. Be an example in purity.

It is important that we understand we are to be an example in our youth, our middle age, our senior years; and the result will be that we have the potential to be graceful at any age!

Source: New feed