Frustration

"Some of us can only hear God in the thunder of revivals or in public worship; we have to learn to listen to God's voice in the ordinary circumstances of life."

Oswald Chambers

1874-1917 

I did manage to get a few small ones this fawn season. I love when I get home and download pictures I see little fawn close by.

As many of you have already experienced, aging brings change. Forgetfulness, steadiness, lack of clarity, and many more changes that we have to deal with.

We also find when we age, we can't seem to get as much done as we use too. Since we become slower, we can't plan. It is indeed frustrating.

I'm having a difficult time in doing one of my favorite activities: photography. I've enjoyed taking pictures most of my life. When I went digital, another world woke me to being able to give my pictures to others, to make note cards with my pictures, and sharing God's creation on this blog.

Yet, the last two years I've found I can't take clear pictures like I use too. I purchased a camera with more zoom to photograph those things I love. But more zoom is more sensitive and in need of more steadiness, and, unfortunately, steadiness is beginning to disappear.

During my early morning drives I'm keeping less and less pictures I take because they are not sharp. I'm not stopping though. The early morning drives provide me with quiet and repose that fills my soul with calmness. 

I'm falling more. Thankfully, except for last year when I broke my ankle, I haven't hurt myself and haven't needed care from the ER. But I'm definitely aware that steadiness is becoming a concern.

I'd read about older people forgetting something on the stove or what they were baking in the oven. That recently happened to me, twice. Now I'll be tested to make sure my forgetfulness is just due to aging and not a deeper health concern.

Many of us have gone through this with our parents, and maybe our spouse, and know first-hand the dangers and depression this can cause. But when it starts happening to you, you realize life is indeed fragile and you must do all you can to be aware of your circumstances and pay attention to warning signs.

God tells us in Proverbs ". . . Gray hair is a crown of splendor; it is attained in the way of righteousness." 16:31. Isaiah tells us that "God will sustain us in old age and gray hairs . . .  I will sustain you and I will rescue you."

My hope is in God, and I believe His Word is truth. I will carry on, keep taking pictures I love, keep doing things I enjoy, albeit slower, and trust God to take care of me until I'm called home. I'll try to change my frustration to calmness, seeking good from what is happening. 

Letting God help us through difficult times can infuse us with His joy and His care. Frustration? Yes, I'm having it, but it's not controlling me. God is. I'm so thankful!

"Endurance is not just the ability to bear a hard thing, but to turn it into glory." 

William Barclay, 1907-1978

"Nothing is more beautiful than cheerfulness in an old face."

Johann Paul Friedrich Richter

1763-1825

By His Grace . . .