Beyond the Bullet Points: A New Year’s Wish

I have no more use of resolutions. Last year I resolved to keep the weight off that I had lost during my “mystery ailment” from the months before. I succeeded, but only because gaining weight is not a real problem during treatment for cancer. So for this year, instead of making a resolution I will instead make a wish for you. I wish for you to grow beautifully and gloriously old.

Cancer changes your perspective on old and aging. Some years I would dread my birthday. 35 seemed old. 40 was huge. Now I can’t wait to turn 44. Years like 50 and 60 sound like paradise: a goal to achieve, not a sign of inevitable decline or a label to avoid.

Stop dreading the coming aches and pains. Stop fixating on wrinkled skin and greying hair. To see another year, even if it is just one more year, is no curse, nor a milestone of decline. It is a victory. It is a license to stand proudly before the world and say “I am here. I remain. I matter.”

May we all grow old in the company of our family and friends. Let every ache be a testament to a life well lived. Let every wrinkle be a reminder that you survive and sustain.

Happy New Year.

9 Replies to “Beyond the Bullet Points: A New Year’s Wish”

  1. Thank you for this beautiful reminder of what’s really important. I look forward to reading many equally-inspiring posts from you each New Year’s Day for years to come.

  2. That is exactly how I feel about aging. But I am sure that this is not the end for you. Keep going there are better days coming.

  3. David, this is a blessed reminder. Thank you. Last year my husband passed away of a sudden heart attack. My lasting joy has been to remember what the bible says about eternity. I so look forward to a new body, and heaven, and all that Jesus said he would prepare for those who would put their faith in him. I long to see my husband’s face again and hear his laugh. I have four little children that I would love to raise along with their daddy, I have a lifetime that I would much rather have him be my better half through all of it. Its so painful to be separated. I cling to the hope that I will see him again and that when he breathed his last he was in the presence of Jesus. I’m not trying to be insensitive to your position. I just want to share with you where I’m coming from. So as I read your post I was reminded of the times this past year and a half that I have looked at myself in the mirror and thought, “God, why didn’t you let me grow old with the one who loved me after giving birth to 4 children…the one who called me beautiful when I would look in the mirror and was convinced this is not what beauty looks like”. And I trust that your post is reminding me “Jenn, be grateful that you have breath, another day, instead of sad that your body is growing old.” I am so thankful for this. I pray these months prove to be victorious and cancer free. I will be praying for your wife and sons as well. There is nothing I would want more than to have my husband for a lifetime, so I’m praying your wife has hers for her lifetime. I also just want to extend the hope that has seen me through the greatest tragedy I’ve ever known, and that is found in Jesus Christ, who has rescued me and shown me love as a woman without her husband needs to know love. Its recorded that God told Moses to tell his people that he was the Great I Am…and He has proven to my little family to be all we need. He is help. He is love. He has taken care of us in every way, because we are His. I remember wondering why the pain, why the suffering? Why did God allow this to happen to us, to my husband? Man from the beginning chose to walk away from God, but God sent Jesus to bridge the gap between rebellious man and Himself. The hard part for man is to humble himself and admit that he needs that bridge to get to God. That he isn’t good enough. The great thing is though, once we humble ourselves and admit we aren’t good enough, we begin to worship Jesus, the Son of God, for all he has done for us, for taking away the sins of the world. For rescuing us despite the pain and suffering, for forever. To have the love of my Savior has truly been my lifeline. To have the Bible has given me so much insight to God’s love for me, for the world. I pray I am not overstepping boundaries by sharing this, but I read your post and this site graciously provides a place to share with you and my heart is also walking through suffering and this is the truth, I am convinced, and I just want to share it with you and anyone I can. May God truly bless you and your precious family.

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