Are Aging and Limitation Joined at the Hip?

For a while, I’ve been what some may describe as a “senior.” Many moons ago, the only significance the category “senior” had for me was aspiring to be one when I was a freshman! 

Well, anyway, here I am at what’s supposed to be a time in which limitations on your activities paint you into an ever-tightening corner. 

But here’s something that I’ve found out. Maybe—just maybe—we Arlingtonian seniors don’t have to succumb to the dictates of aging. We don’t have to lie down and take it gracefully or otherwise. And I’ve seen first-hand the benefits of not capitulating.

Over the last 12-plus years, every aspect of my life has become increasingly more active—including some new really physically demanding ones.

For decades, I led a fairly sedentary life.

But that all changed in 1999.

My wife, Carolyn, had been an avid cyclist before I knew her. And each spring after we were married, she asked me if I’d like to go with her. 

I immediately refused. Why? At the time I was a pianist and composer and throughout my musical studies, I had been educated to believe that I had to protect my hands at all costs. 

So each spring, I pulled out my litany of reasons why I couldn’t—including referencing this famous pianist or that. True to form, any time I did engage in physically strenuous activity involving my hands, I felt the adverse effects for several days.

Well, one morning while praying—yes, I do that a lot—it became absolutely clear to me that these two essentially spiritual activities couldn’t conflict. So that spring I asked her if I could try out one of her bikes. And 50,000-plus miles and six or seven bikes later, I’m still going strong. And even though I ride with folks who are younger, I keep up with and some times exceed them.

Now here’s the interesting part. I’ve never had a problem with my hands since. 

All it took was a change of thought.

I’ve seen that as I get a clearer sense of who I am spiritually—of who God created each of us to be—I feel a greater sense of vitality, vigor and usefulness in every avenue of my life. 

And the great thing is that this resource is available to everyone—just pick it up and use it. 

Go ahead!