Turning 70

by Cheryl Merrick

Seventy seemed sooo old

when I was a child.

Now, it seems sooo long ago

when I naively determined 

that I would never "let"

myself become old.

Youth and middle age have long passed

til here I am a "senior" complete with 

crinkled skin and frail health,

but also with a more loving heart 

softened by the things I have suffered.

Slowly over the years, 

the abrasion caused by 

each sorrow and challenge

has worked to polish my soul. 

All sorts of clutter is gone.

Meaningless activity,

anxiety over acquiring possessions,

and concern for others opinions, 

have become only dim memories.

A few of my dreams did have

a fatal collision with reality,

but, surprisingly,

I discovered that they were not

necessary for my happiness. 

Experiencing both 

the fragileness and the joys of life,

relationships and family 

now shine with an eternal importance.

Through the years of serious illness,

I've come to rely on Him 

who has the power

to not only give me strength,

but also peace. 

Looking back with gratitude

at all the refining experiences

seventy years have held for me,

I now look forward with hope

to all the future opportunities 

for growth that will enlarge my soul

and bring me lasting joy.