A friend remarked upon a mutual acquaintance, "He's a good example of how not to age." It was a sad commentary, made even sadder when I found myself nodding in agreement.
The individual in question is totally wrapped up in himself, extending little to others while expecting much from them. (Unfortunately, this too frequently describes me, a wake up call to change.)
In contrast, I could not help but think of my Aunt Mae. I have written of her before, a valiant 87 years young. Though she doesn't drive, Aunt Mae makes a point of doing something nice for someone else every day--a card, a call, a prayer. A pot of beans simmering on the stove, a cake baking in the oven will often be found in her kitchen as she prepares to share her modest means with others. A prayer jar is always close by so that she can pick a name from it to offer a special prayer for that person.
Anti-aging products abound in the stores and the online virtual stores. There are creams for our eyes, creams for our faces, creams for our necks and chest. There is even a butt-lifting cream. (How much cream does it take to lift one's butt, anyway?)
This I know for sure: aging is inevitable. How we handle it has less to do with the wrinkles we wear than the lives we have touched.
You're right. We need fewer butt lifts (I have no idea how much cream it would take, but I'd guess a lot in my case), instead lifting our butt off the couch (even if only figuratively) to help others. We need more examples of how to age.
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