A long time ago I knew I would slow up a bit in old age. But I didn't reckon on such major changes as confront me now. These days I juggle 2 options every morning.

Option 1: My health shows no sign of improving. So today I will do what is necessary that is likely to cause the least level of pain to get through the day.

Option 2: Each morning I will try to accept where I am at in,body, mind and spirit. Then get out of bed and decide how best to live in my day.  

Option 2 is the better choice. I know that. But Option 2 expects more than does Option 1. Much more. It requires grit and quiet courage-all day (if necessary). Many days I need to ignore my immediate feelings. For example, getting out of bed is often a decision of my will and nothing more. I just hope my feelings catch up with me a bit later in the day.   

Four strengths help me. The encouragement of God and of my wife, family and friends are as necessary as is air to breathe. I've lost count of their support coming when I needed it most.  For me, these gracious connections are as important, if not more so, than any medication I swallow. All these folk are gifts more precious than anything else.