There are some things that get better with age.  The obvious ones you are probably thinking of are red wines, scotch, and lovely aged bleu cheese.  Tuck them away for a while, and they only get better!

Well, what about leather?  After it is worn for a while it becomes supple and soft.  And then there are blue jeans.  My husband Ted recalls new pairs of Levi’s, back in the old days, when they came stiff and dark, dark blue.  You had to wear and wash them a gazillion times before they got broken in.

Obviously, there is great wisdom in setting things aside to ‘age’ or ‘mature’ in order to make them better.

I am leaving today to attend a retreat with fifty women from my church.  Many months ago, I really didn’t want to go.  Even a couple of weeks ago, I didn’t want to go.  Today, I’m glad I am going.  I believe that sometimes we need to get away from our norm to mature a little.  Even if the getaway is for rest only, it still can make you better if it results in a renewed vigor and clearer thinking head.  My retreat includes a speaker and I know the fellowship alone will be refreshing.  There are many instances in the bible when Jesus slipped away from the crowds to spend time with his best friends.  He rested and was renewed after talking to His Father.

We are a little like fruit trees, you know.  (Yeah Laurel – your thinking IS weird sometimes – so what do you mean THIS time?)  Well, we are all growing a little bit each day and have put down roots.  We may even bear some decent fruit.  But as fruit trees are pruned and grow older while properly being cared for, they are the trees that can produce the best fruit.  So, I figure that anything we as individuals can do to improve ourselves, then we can ‘produce better fruit’ and be more helpful and resourceful to others.

In the book of Romans, Apostle Paul speaks to fellow believers he plans to visit in Rome.  He gives them instructions and asks for prayers.  He concludes in Chapter 15 with these words:  “…by God’s will I may come to you with joy and together with you be REFRESHED.”

So take time to rest, and eat right.  Exercise helps.  And maybe even getting away now and then, even if it’s for just one night and a day, to be informed or taught something new.  Can’t hurt.   So off I go to my little mini retreat.  I’m all packed (including one little token bottle of wine for tonight).

Here’s to aging gracefully.

Cheers.

just Laurel

btw – Pop is doing well although still in the hospital.  Ted has been put in charge while I’m gone with taking my mom to visit him.  You’re in charge Teddy!  Love you.