I noticed a strange phenomenon
the other day at the mall. I was pushing the
stroller with my 2 year old granddaughter and my
1 year old grandson and noticed that women were
staring at me. Not all women, but some women,
middle aged women, those in their mid to late
40's or early 50’s. I could almost hear them as
they stared and we crossed each others path.
“Are those her children?" "Her grandchildren?"
Do I look that old? Or young? (However she
perceived me).
It seems strange, this age. It is the age in
between. The age that you are painfully aware
that you ain’t no spring chicken, but just as
aware that you are not quite ready for the
rocking chair. Women appear to be unusually
vulnerable at this time. It is high school all
over again in many ways. A time that one may
struggle with their body image, or hair color,
or the force of gravity. A time that our
children are grown or almost grown and a life
time of parenting is coming to a close or a
least slowing down. A time that we often
evaluate our success or lack of it based on the
way we feel.
Some of you have not yet reached this age and
are wondering what the heck I’m talking about.
Some of you are past this age and are giggling
because you remember what a time of life it was
for you. But all of you are women in some season
of life. In every season there are great things
to enjoy. Experiences, people, laughter, love….,
there may also be pain or uncertainty. But
praise be to God, we are his beloved! In every
season he is our God, our father. He looks upon
us and sees the very essence of Christ.
What a blessing it is to develop relationships
with women in different seasons of their life.
The young can help us to stay young and informed
and relevant to our culture. They are full of
life and usually optimistic. The middle aged
women are usually less stressed, because they
finally know enough to choose what is worthy of
their care and concern and what is not. And
though they may be experiencing some change in
their bodies, it is unlikely they will talk to
you about it, unless of course, you too are a
middle aged woman. Otherwise you might consider
them certifiable. And the wisdom of the aged is
priceless. They possess poise and self control
that is a gift of age. All of us will greatly
benefit from relationships with women in all
seasons of life.
The Bible is full of women and their stories of
shared experience. Sometimes with other women,
sometimes with men but always with a God who is
intimate and personal and a God who longs for
relationship with us.
My prayer for you is that:
The God who gives endurance and encouragement
give you a spirit of unity among yourselves as
you follow Christ Jesus, so that with one heart
and mouth you may glorify the God and Father of
our Lord Jesus Christ. Accept one another, then,
just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring
praise to God.-Romans 15:5-7
Find that place of acceptance for each other.
Pray for one another. Serve together. God has
created you woman, and it is good.
Serving with you,
lesa
God’s Girls Ministry |
