Getting older is a strange thing. It is viewed in so many different ways by so many different people.

My children are in a hurry to grow up. They can't wait to be older so they can do more and have more responsibility. I have to remind them time and again to enjoy being the age they are right now.

I know many adults on the other hand who want more than anything to be younger again. They are scared to death of being old and are doing everything they possibly can to stay young, look young, and act young.

I am glad to say that I have finally given up any desire to be younger than I am right now.

When I look in the mirror and see my thinning, graying hair and my many laugh lines it only makes me laugh and smile more. What better evidence could there be that I have lived a good life so far than a face full of wrinkles caused by a million smiles?

I greatly enjoy the age I am at right now and look forward to even greater enjoyment as I continue to learn and grow in love and joy in the years ahead.

I only wish that I had known as a younger man what I know today. I would have enjoyed my younger years so much more if I had.

Don't be afraid of aging then. Embrace it. Enjoy it. Take pleasure in it. Yes, our bodies get older and weaker as the years pass, but our spirits don't have to.

No matter how old your body is if your spirit is full of love and joy then you are young.

Aging isn't decay. It is learning, growing, and becoming better with each passing day. It is moving forward to ever greater love, joy, peace, and happiness in your life.

Remember God gave us this wonderful journey we call life and it isn't over until your last day here.

May you revel in all of your life and celebrate all of your days.

Written By: Joseph J. Mazzella