On Growing Old and Gray Hair

December is a special month for me for it is my birth month. Aside from that, it also coincides with the birth month of our Lord, Jesus Christ that which make it extra special.

I usually celebrate my birthday by attending mass to thank God for the gift of life and for all the graces and blessings bestowed upon me. Then, share a simple meal with my family.

I am now in my mid forties and some gray hairs are already visible. There are times that I try to get rid of it but only to find out that it grows back and with the same color that is gray. I’ve been toying with the idea of coloring my hair into black or brown just like what I’d seen many women doing with their hairs these days. But alas, I am afraid of the consequence it would do to my natural hair. Thus, I found solace with these words from Proverbs 16:31 that say “Long life is the reward of the righteous, gray hair is a glorious crown.” So, for now I let my hair turned into gray.

There is a promise by the Lord in Proverbs 3:1-2 that I hope to achieve as I age, it says “Son don’t forget what I teach you. Always remember what I tell you to do. My teaching will give you a long and prosperous life.” With the guidance of the Holy Spirit I hope to be able to follow God’s teachings and be able to live a little longer wisely.

As we get older, we wonder if until when we will be alive. Living at age forty-five is already a gift. Reaching age sixty is more and more a blessing. You can already avail of the many privileges of being a senior citizen. Here’s a scripture from Psalm 90:10 that says about living beyond sixty “Seventy years is all we have. Eighty years, if we are strong; yet all they bring us is trouble and sorrow; life is soon over, and we are gone.” Be that as it may, let us trust the Lord through his promise in Isaiah 46:4 that say “ I am your God and will take care of you until you are old and your hair is gray. I made you and will care for you; I will give you help and rescue you.” Let us then thank the Lord for all his promises as we age.

On another note, am wondering, how would Jesus celebrate His birthday this year? Does He have wishes? Most often, we are the one celebrating with parties during Christmas day. We become so busy preparing for the celebration, from buying gifts and food preparation. Thus, we forget to ponder on the real meaning of Christmas. As we celebrate Jesus birthday, may we be reminded of the special gift given to us by God the Father that is His son Jesus Christ. With the birth of Jesus, we have been given a savior who eventually died for our sins. Let us always be thankful to God for that. Happy birthday Lord Jesus and may Your wishes come true. (Bing Orbeta-Robles)