Not so long ago, I was in the thick of mothering three kids — juggling all the plates of home, school, extracurriculars, and work. If you’ve been there or are there, you know life can be a busy blur, hectic in mostly good ways. You learn what people say is true: “The days are long” — sometimes so, so long! — “but the years are short.” In too quick a blink, that season is over.
In empty nesting, it seems birthdays arrive faster and years get even shorter. It still surprises me when I realize I’m the oldest person in the room. How am I in my sixth decade, for goodness’ sake?! Nevertheless, I wholeheartedly believe that life is a gift at every age, and each day is reason enough to celebrate.
Several years ago, I attended a women’s event led by a well-known ministry leader around my age. In front of 1,000+ women, she made self-deprecating remarks, recognizing she was the oldest woman on the stage and minimizing herself. It bothered me. She joked about her age, almost apologizing for it — missing a chance to champion the older women in the room. This would’ve been a perfect moment to help younger women see the value of those they might be tempted to consider irrelevant, and to help older women see how much they still have to offer.
The speaker’s comment was made in passing, and I doubt many attendees gave it a second thought. But years later, it’s the only thing I recall her saying that night. Had she feared being seen as old and obsolete? If so, I could relate (even though I wish I didn’t). But God, through the Holy Spirit’s transforming work, took my irritation and began fashioning a pearl. I started recognizing the benefits that can only come with age.
Too often, aging is viewed through the lens of decline and loss — aching joints, graying hair, aggravating forgetfulness, and decreasing relevance. But these things don’t tell the entire story. Growing older brings unexpected gifts we just don’t talk about enough — the kind that only come with time, experience, and evolving perspective.
I’m thankful God has something to say about aging, too. Job 12:12 (NASB) tells us advanced years bring wisdom and understanding. I can think of plenty of things in my past I’d do or process differently if I knew “then” what I know now. Psalm 92:14 (ESV) says the righteous will “still bear fruit in old age.” As long as we’re here, we can impact the Kingdom and the people around us. And, Proverbs 16:31 (ESV) tells us gray hair is a crown of glory! Mine is currently in hiding, but my friends know I’m all about a tiara. When gray peeks out, my hairdresser enthuses, “Darling! Your wisdom is showing!” She gets it.
What God gives us with age isn’t accidental — it’s the result of His perfect timing.
Let’s practice looking at life differently. Let’s believe what God says and focus on the positives that come with age. When we do so, we’ll see that growing older isn’t just about what we lose — it’s also about what we gain. I’ve noticed plenty of benefits:
Growth in your faith. If you’re a long-time believer, there’s a point at which you realize you “knew so much more” in your 30s than you do now. Bless us all. What I’ve learned is that God always has something new to teach us, and it’s exciting to realize there is no end to learning more about His grace, love, forgiveness, joy, peace, kindness….
Greater Emotional Resilience. We get better at managing stress and emotional roller coasters. We’re able to see difficult circumstances more clearly and to respond thoughtfully rather than overreacting. Coping skills are honed with time.
Sharper Priorities. As time goes on, people tend to care less about superficial concerns and more about what truly matters: a deep and abiding faith, meaningful relationships, and time well spent.
More Time for Passions and Purpose. Being past the stage of raising a family or working outside the home offers a chance to serve others in church and community, explore hobbies, travel, or start something new. Whether it’s painting, mentoring, or joining a church choir, there’s more time to rediscover old passions or cultivate new ones.
Confidence in Who You Are. Aging often brings a stronger sense of self as we better understand our identity in Christ. The pressure to impress or conform fades, replaced by a growing confidence in who God says we are as His daughters: loved, treasured, and valued.
Stronger, Deeper Relationships. With age, I’ve learned to protect relationships that matter to me. Friendships deepen, family is cherished, and conversations become more authentic.
Gratitude for Life’s Everyday Joys. Whether it’s the ritual of morning coffee or tea, laughter among friends, or a spectacular sunrise, aging enhances our ability to savor the moment right in front of us. What we once took for granted, we no longer do.
Instead of dreading or fearing aging, we can reframe it as a season brimming with opportunity.
We can revere women with crowns of glory, and thank God we’re forever His works in progress. If you’re an “older” woman, fight to see the benefits you’ve gained with age and tell the younger women in your life.
And own it when you realize you’re the oldest woman in the room.
I am 71. It is so freeing. I wear my gray hair like a badge of honor. It is ok to go out without makeup or earrings or even wearing the same clothing as the day before. I had an aunt who said one of the best things that happens when you are old is that you can say whatever is on your mind and usually get away with it. Needless to say, she was a hoot. I think of all the women we read about in the bible who did wondrous things as they were older. I think about my grandmother and how she embraced everyday in spite of the difficulties she faced. Things in my life are far from perfect with but I appreciate what I have as you wrote- stronger friendships, more resilience, confidence and especially stronger faith.
Testify, Madeline! Being able to see what you have requires intention. Lead on, sister!
Thank you and Yes! I am in my mid 60’s and feel like life is very wonderful at this age. I’m learning those things that are really important to God and drawing closer to Him. One of my biggest joys since I retired is being able to attend a Bible study led by a woman who is nearly 80! For over 20 years she has spoken into the lives of women young and old. In fact, right now she is teaching Sunday School to the young married class! Such wisdom and guidance pour out from her, and she is a great example to everyone that God uses us at every stage of life. I encourage you younger ladies (and all of us) to find an older mentor and learn from their knowledge and experience. God is good and desires to use us at every stage of our lives!
Judy, yes, yes, and amen! I love the last sentence you wrote. What perfect examples you’ve shared!
Thank you for this article Robin! So good to remember and gives us something for us in the lesser decades to look forward to. Thankful for you!
<3 I love that precious attitude, Jenny. Thank you, friend.
Robin,
For many years, I was the oldest person on our team in corporate America. Now I’m retired… Never felt old… Still don’t. There’s so much to do while I’m here on earth.
Sending you spring joy, Lisa
Just from following your comments all these years, I believe that about you, Lisa! You’re an ageless joy slinger!
Hi Robin. A friend sent me this post. I am 80, starting my 9th decade. This year, I published my first book: With Hearts Entwined – Light for your journey to intimacy with God. I know for a fact, it is never too late to pursue God and fulfill his call on your life. Yes, I have to refocus my spiritual mindset when evidence of the aging process presses in. And, I stand daily on Psalm 91:14-16: Because I set my love on God I know his name. He delivers me, honors me, shows me his salvation, and satisfies me with long life. I’m not satisfied yet, so I’m still pursuing him and the deep things of his heart. Blessings!
Oh, Sharon…what an inspiration and blessing you are!! Thank you for leading well as you begin a new season again!! xo
Thank you, dear Robin!
I just turned 73. I used to be the oldest woman in the room pretty often. In the past couple of years, I’ve surrounded myself with a lot of gals who are older than me or around my age. I am surprised by how active and mobile these women are! I usually think they are younger than me, when in fact, they are my age! They inspire me with their kindness, joy and enthusiasm for helping others! We are here! And we are still working to make this temporary world a better place.
Dear Robin…..What a GREAT devotional today. As a women of 77 years old, your words resonated within me and even made me chuckle at times. The story that got me to this facility for seniors is long and sorrowful, unfortunately still is, but talking about age in your story was very realistic and quite frankly true. As you said about yourself that at some part of your 30’s, you felt that you knew so much more than when you were younger. Well, I did the same thing when I was 35. I felt confident and really did not think about how it would be in my 70’s, but when I got there, I as you said, I often thought, “Boy, if only I had known this when I was in my thirties, I would have done many things differently. Unfortunately, the place I ended up in is really a chaotic mess. When I first moved in, I saw within 2 weeks that what they had told me to sign the lease was not true, but after you sign, it is too late. About 6 months later they were all left go. That was a year ago and we are still short 5 managers. The people who already worked here were put into some of these management positions, but still we are in such a very depressing and upsetting place at our age. The employees they put into these positions are young and with no experience. Since I had 45 years as a manager, I had been through so many life experiences that I had to solve, I gently tried to give them some advice. That didn’t work. They treat us all like we have no brains and are just from kindergarten. This is very hurtful to all of us. Honestly, and I am not saying this to sound mean or boastful, but to be a good manager, you need experience. When I was in my 20’s and just out of college, I had no idea what I wanted to do. I knew what my teachers in high school told me to take as my major, I knew was not for me so I had to start somewhere. This is where all my praying came to fruition and my Holy Spirit whispered in my ear. Start out at an easy job that you never thought of before and observe everything no matter how small. So I started cleaning people’s houses. As I was doing this, I did learn things and I became pretty good. The women that were my clients started to tell their friends about how good a job I did. Soon I had too many clients as I had a baby and a (not so nice husband ). We still needed more money as my husband was a teacher and back in the early 70’s, they were not paid much. I made a decision that I had to look for a different job to make some more money. Holy Spirit was still whispering in my ear. So I found a job at a trucking company as a receptionist. An employee in payroll for 300 truck drivers left and management asked me if I was interested in that position. I thought about it and took that job. I was there 10 years before they shut the company down as the top guys got a little too greedy and they were all fired. The upper management from our home office asked me if I would stay on for awhile along with a young guy that was much like me. They gave me a big raise. I’m in! I know I am boring you, but we were there for 6 months when we had finished everything they wanted so the building was being sold. So, for the next 4 years I bounced around when I received another message from God. It’s your time. I was not sure what He meant, but a place I had sent my resume to called me and said there was a position open. She asked if I was interested of course. After 2 long interviews they hired me and this was my “Dream Job” that is what God was telling me and because I did as he said years ago, He helped me along. I was there for 35 years and became a manager. All my observations at all my other jobs really helped me to know how to solve even the most complicated situations. So I thought about 19 years ago when I took my 1st job, WOW, I would never have had the knowledge or confidence to have this job if I had not done what God told me too. I try to tell younger employees that work here in the dining room what happened with me. They seem to be following what God told me to do. They will get good jobs as time goes on. Thank you Robin. I pray that women who have read your words will give younger people they know their life experiences. Robin, I always love when you do the devotionals. Thank you again and I send you my love and thanks for always making me smile, even if I am still very upset about my son and grandson……………………….Betsy Basile
I always say older people would make great spies because we are usually overlooked and underestimated! Seriously though, I’ve found as I age into my sixties, I’ve circled back to all the things I enjoyed as a child like being outside in nature, not overthinking everything, simply enjoying with enthusiasm God’s gift to me. I no longer worry about my purpose, because I realize loving God and my people has always been my purpose.
Well, do I love this, or what?! YES! I often think I am the oldest woman in the room! And you know what? That’s ok! God has placed it on my heart to be the one praying for the next generations and waving the banner that God is alive and loves them so much. Thanks for a wonderful encouragement Robin. ❤️
Love this post—just what I needed. Thank you and bless you.