“Do not cast me off in the time of old age; do not forsake me when my strength fails.” -Psalm 71:9
I am halfway through my 6th decade, and it is my favorite! Well, every decade is my favorite! I’ve learned new things about God and myself through each decade of life.
In my 20’s I was dealing with kids, their schools, and moving here and there as a military wife. I also dealt with the devastating loss of my Dad at age 28. In my 30’s I had a hysterectomy, watched my teen girls grow up, became a grandmother, and my husband retired from the military. In my 40’s we started over in the woods as empty nesters until we adopted our handicapped grandson. In my late 40’s, early 50’s, I discovered running and coaching others in becoming more active.
I became a Revelation Wellness Instructor the same year I drew my first Social Security check. I thought, “How crazy is this for God to call me to a fitness ministry at my age!” I thought my active life as an instructor was coming to a close. But, the Holy Spirit quietly said, “Who told you that you are too old?”
I have the privilege of teaching 7-8 classes a week to all different ages in all kinds of formats from Zumba® to kickboxing and share the gospel. How cool is that? I feel good, strong, and flexible. My arthritis pain and stiffness are managed best when I am active. I am an ACE-certified Health Coach and Group Fitness Instructor, an ACE specialist in Senior Fitness and Functional Fitness.
The biggest factor of aging well is to continue to be active. Period.
HERE ARE THREE TIPS TO GROW OLDER WITH GRACE:
First, stay curious! I encourage you to be curious about God, the world, and the people around you. Learn new things by taking classes in community centers or online. Is there something you’ve always wanted to do? Try it! Visit new and interesting places. Find out how things work. Be childlike in your curiosity.
Second, treat your body well. Treat your body as God’s temple. That means you should feed it well, rest it well, and lovingly care for yourself no matter your age or size. It is never too late to make good choices and stop doing the things which cause it harm.
Third, embrace your wrinkles. Do you want your wrinkles to be from smiling and laughter or from grumpiness and frowning? Your wrinkles are beautiful and they show just one part of your story. Embrace the memories connected to each wrinkle and crease!
God knows our days, so let Him be the boss of them! We do not have an expiration date stamped on us saying we are too old.
“Planted in the house of the Lord, they will flourish in the courts of our God. They will still yield fruit in old age; they shall be full of sap and very green, to declare that the Lord is upright; He is my rock, and there is no unrighteousness in Him.” -Psalm 92:13-15
Teresa D. Martin is a Revelation Wellness Instructor (Platoon 20) in Adamsville, TN. She wants to give God her best “yes” at any age.
Thank you for reading the Revelation Wellness Blog! We hope to encourage you and keep you moving through the COVID-19 Quarantine! Follow us on all of our social media channels for weekly workouts, prayers, and other resources. Find us on Facebook, Instagram, Youtube, and even Pinterest!
Workout with us in a #wednesdayworkout! For more full-length workouts, visit RevWell TV and become a monthly partner!
Alisa’s Spin – “Stay With God”
Find any stationary bike and give this workout a “spin”. This is cardiovascular training at its finest. Great for those who would like to avoid high-impact and give their lower body joints a break. (ALL LEVELS) (JUDGES 2:19)
38 Responses
Thank you so mUCh for this message. I struggle alot with my age and thunking i am too ild to do new things but as you said, “who told you, you were too old? Not gid and I am thankful for that. Thank you for the encouragement today.
You are made for this! We’re so glad this blog encouraged you!
AWESOME cLAss. Very motivating. WEll structured.
I learnED a few years ago-its ok to make room For new things.
Yes! Curiosity keeps us fresh!
wonderful article and very timely. Thank you, Teresa
We’re so glad this blessed you, Kim!
Thank you!
Thank you for reading the blog, Sande!
Loved this uplifting encouragement….Being active gives us Joy makes us feel good …and that is worship…Dont ever listen to the lies of the enemY …who says were too old…..come to California and Surf with Jesus!!..♀️☀️
Amen! Thanks for your encouragement Mary!
Thank you so much for this!! I just turned 60 in January. This social isolation has caused me to doubt that I have anything left to give. All the areas I serve, schools and churches, are closed. So I have a lot of time to think about how I fir into this new for now NORMAL.
Thank you, again!
You have so much to give, Patricia! Thanks for sharing!
Thank you for this! A word I needed to here today!
So glad this blessed you!
Thank you so much for this encouragement! LOVE IT! NEEDED IT! It’s our GET TO!
Amen! We are so glad you are here, Jami!
The timing of everything where god is concerned is always perfect. Just this morning i was broWsing through The Revelation wellness events page. Rim to him really sparked something in me. My immediate comment to myself, “your to old”. Now that this lie has been taken care of, i will pray some more and Wait for him to speak to me again . God is so so good. Thank you so much for this blog.
He is so good! You are NOT too old for Rim to Him! We are cheering you on and hope to see you on the mountain!
Thanks friend! Finishing up PLatoon 24 and I am 58! Not sure what gods plan is but you are an inspiration for sure! thia was a perfect message for such a time as this! you go girl!!
Good work, Janet! We are cheering you on in Platoon 24!
Thank you Teresa for your encouragement and all the other comments frim you ladies. I dont know why sometimes i feel like im the only one thinking these things. Im 51 years Old and went througH instructor training in platoon 23 whOo hoo! I came back realizing i can do so much more than i thought i was capable Of. I have more energy then my adult children. I was praying this morning for God to show me how i can prosper, this article i think is an answer to that.
Thank you for sharing, Wendy! God is so good.
Thanks so much, Teresa! I turn 60 in June and Rev Wild resonated with me, but i thought I must be too old for that. I love being active and outdoors! 🙂
Love your statement that we’re not stamped with an expiration date saying we’re too old!
Keep up the encouragement!
Aw thank you for sharing and encouraging others, Sheila! You are the perfect age for RevWild 🙂
Thanks For The great wirds!! Turned 60 last september and doing my BEST to enjoy life. Love my children and lOving being a grandma. God is good!
Thank you for sharing, Julie!
Thank you for the reminder. Some days at 45, I feel like it’s too late but I see what you are saying and it’s a wonderful reminder that he isn’t finished with me yet.
You are made for this, Rebecca!
I needed this today! Thank you for SHINING bright for his glory!!
I’m so glad this blessed you, Cara!
Thank you! I, also, Was an older age. (59) when i received a Holy Yoga certiFication. I agree wiTh all your tips and love what i do. I’m now 64 and lead 6 practices a week plus doing STRENGTH Training and cardio work on my own. I don’t worry about my age or diminishing abilities like otherS do, and i aspire to be an inspiration to others my age!!
You are an inspiration, Lynn! Thank you for sharing!
Love this! What an encouragement for us that are not spring chickens anymore 🙂
Yes! You are made for this!
51 here! seeing those fine lines and wrinkles more each day and fighting the lies that those just prove that I am getting too old to teach these young people (I teach middle school fitness and high school girls’ health/Rev fit classes). But God just keeps on blessing and revealing to me how He is using my classes to reach these kids. I am amazed! Thank so much for posting from your heart, teresa! I remember looking into those beautiful eyes of yours when we were paired together at ROTR! thankful for you – and for Rev!!!!
That is amazing, Susan! I bet those kids love you! Thanks for sharing and spreading the gospel!
I lOVE THIS.
YAY! Thanks for reading the blog, Tamara!