Aging Gracefully

One thing we know for sure: we are going to age. Aging gracefully takes talent. And Julie Andrews has talent. Once when the AARP was putting on a benefit at the Radio City Music Hall in New York, Ms. Andrews appeared and sang a remake of the song, "My Favorite Things" from the popular movie, "The Sound Of Music." She changed the words to reflect how things change over time. Here are the lyrics (read them as you think of the original song tune):

"My Favorite Things"

Maalox and nose drops and needles for knitting,
Walkers and handrails and new dental fittings,
Bundles of magazines tied up in string,
These are a few of my favorite things.

Cadillac's and cataracts, and hearing aids and glasses,
Polident and Fixodent and false teeth in glasses,
Pacemakers, golf carts and porches with swings,
These are a few of my favorite things..

When the pipes leak, When the bones creak,
When the knees go bad,
I simply remember my favorite things,
And then I don't feel so bad.

Hot tea and crumpets and corn pads for bunions,
No spicy hot food or food cooked with onions,
Bathrobes and heating pads and hot meals they bring,
These are a few of my favorite things.

Back pains, confused brains, and no need for sinnin',
Thin bones and fractures and hair that is thinnin',
And we won't mention our short, shrunken frames,
When we remember our favorite things.

When the joints ache, When the hips break,
When the eyes grow dim,
Then I remember the great life I've had,
And then I don't feel so bad.

The song was a hit. Ms. Andrews reportedly received a standing ovation that lasted over 4 minutes.

Aging gracefully means accepting change, taking care of ourselves, eating right, exercising, seeking out younger mentors, sharing wisdom.

Are you aging gracefully as you serve in ministry?

image credit: Photobucket

Comments

[Bill (cycleguy)]

I hope I am aging gracefully. I certainly wish I had the attitude when I was younger that I have now. I have to admit though Scott I am trying to "cheat" time and tell myself I am younger than I really am. LOL

[Sandra Heska King]

Oh my word. Favorite Things is one of my favorites. This version strikes a little too close to home . . . But I'm laughing anyway.

[Jim F.]

I am with Bill - I hope I am and I am also trying to cheat at times too - in those times I pay the price!

Thanks for sharing.

[Scott Couchenour]

We are all cheater, aren't we? I read someone's Facebook status the other day. It said, "I woke up feeling 35. Then I moved." That about sums it up for me...

[Scott Couchenour]

Sandra - isn't that just about the greatest version of the song, ever? I loved it when I saw it!

Kep laughing. In fact, someone suggests that we should all strive to DIE laughing.

[Scott Couchenour]

Yeah, but isn't all that pain worth it to just feel younger for a little bit? ;)

[Deidra]

Last week I received an invitation to join AARP. That's all I can say. Just that.

[Alex Marestaing]

Good final points. We can't just barrel forward without taking time to recharge, to listen quietly, to do what really matters to God.

[Scott Couchenour]

I know Deidra. I've gotten them too. I wish I could return to sender. :)

[Scott Couchenour]

Alex, if I barrel forward without stretching I'm in deep weeds. Thanks for the comment.