Reading it feels like we are taking the thirty year journey with her. Thirty years of seeing God’s faithfulness as He sovereignly controls circumstances. Thirty years of painful lessons where we see joy can be found in suffering. Thirty years of surprising ministry opportunities. Thirty years of wisdom learned and relationships formed. Thirty years of trusting Jesus.

I am not old, not yet. But I can feel old age in my bones, and it takes a little longer to find details in the hard drive of my brain. There are new aches and pains that greet me in the morning or after a walk. I know all sorts of limitations are coming. The world would have me believe I can stop the aging process. But the fountain of youth is a myth. Scripture would tell me that to age with grace and wisdom is to flourish even though my hair grays and my skin wrinkles.

Suffering precedes glory. This was God’s plan from the beginning of time.