thoughts on death and aging

This Spring, for the first time, I started to feel the itchy, aching eyes that go with a high pollen count and hayfever. Many odd weaknesses appear as my friends and I grow older: an allergy to fish oil, flabby upper arms, sensitivity to caffeine, wrinkles, lowered immunity, grey hair, less energy. Small indications that our bodies will one day fall apart, and we too will have to face the final hurdle.

But as our bodies gradually wear out, our inner selves are receiving life. God's Spirit works in us to make us more patient, more loving, more selfless. We become more aware of our sin, and experience God's grace more deeply, with every year that passes. Our ministry bears fruit, and those we have ministered to live fruitful lives of their own. Small (or not so small) indications that one day even our bodies will be renewed, and we will be finished with mourning, pain and tears forever.

In 2 Corinthians 4, Paul speaks of the immense persecution he suffered for preaching the gospel, far greater and more significant than the first signs of aging. But as I experience these minor ailments, I too am reminded that though "outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day."