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.

 

Listen to Robin’s devotion here or wherever you stream podcasts.

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