Written by Loke Poi Ching
I recently stepped into my mid-60s, and if I’m being completely honest, I’ve decided I’m liking this season of life!
For years, I wondered what ‘ageing with grace’ actually looked like. Now that I’m here, I’m realising it’s less about looking ‘picture-perfect’ and more about enjoying the quiet contentment God builds in us over time. Life has a gentle way of softening our edges, laughing at our imperfections, and drawing us closer to the Lord.
Looking back and looking forward, here are a few things I’m learning about myself, my faith, and the unique perks of this decade:
1. Courage Up Ahead
With decades of life behind me, I’ve lived long enough to experience life’s highs and lows, and through all of it, God has never once failed me. Just as He promises, ‘He has never left my side, and He will never forsake me (Deuteronomy 31:6).
I’m reminded of Naomi in the Book of Ruth. She endured profound heartbreak and uncertainty in her later years, but God was quietly preparing a season of restoration she never saw coming. Like Naomi, knowing that God holds my future gives me the courage to face life’s challenging issues with a calm, steady heart. Hence, with God on my side, I’m not afraid to walk the rest of the way.
2. Too Blessed to Second-Guess
I’ve reached a point where I’m simply too old to sit around endlessly pondering if I should try something new. Should I try new things and take up a new hobby? Join a new ministry? Speak up when I’d usually stay quiet?
Why not! Sarah was well advanced in years when God surprised her with an unthinkable chapter. Though it seemed impossible at her age, God brought true joy and laughter back into her life (Genesis 21:6). If God can use someone in her later years to fulfil His grand purpose, I can certainly step out of my comfort zone to serve Him in whatever way He leads, without overthinking every detail. Time to ‘Nike’!
3. The Perks of the ‘Senior Pass’
Here’s a fantastic perk of being in my 60s: flash a senior card, and suddenly you get 50% off most entrance fees! But there’s an even funnier perk – if I act a little weird or say something a bit off-base, people are quick to forgive or brush it off because of my age.
This brings to mind Rhoda in Acts 12, the servant girl in Mary’s house. When Peter walked out of prison and knocked at the door, Rhoda recognised his voice and was so overjoyed that she ran inside to tell everyone, completely forgetting to actually open the door and leaving Peter standing outside! Having a ‘senior pass’ has taught me not to take myself too seriously, and to keep serving God cheerfully, regardless of how silly I might occasionally turn out to be.
4. Less Fire, More Grace
In my younger years, I was much quicker to react or defend my point. Faster than a lightning bolt! Today, the fiery impulse to argue has mellowed into a heartfelt willingness to listen.
I want to be more like Lois (2 Timothy 1:5), Timothy’s grandmother – a steady, gentle presence whose quiet faith and listening ear poured strength into the next generation without needing to dominate the room. Listening without aggression allows me to hear what someone is really saying behind their frustration, so I can respond with God’s love, bring comfort where it’s needed, and help make their burden just a little lighter.
5. When Life Spills Milk, Bring in a Tambourine
Life is simply too short to hold onto small grudges or fret over spilt milk. I’ve learned that a good laugh – especially at myself; is often the best medicine, good for both the mind and the soul!
I think of Miriam (Exodus 15:20), who picked up her tambourine and led the women in singing and dancing with pure joy after crossing the Red Sea. She didn’t let the fatigue of the journey or the memory of past hardships steal her song. In this season of my mid-60s, I want to live with that same spirit of lightness, laughing off life’s trivial matters, letting go of little offences, and celebrating God’s goodness and grace every chance I get!
Walking Forward as a Sister in Christ
At this season in my life, I certainly don’t feel like I’m fading into the background. Instead, I see this as a wonderful opportunity from God to be a better sister in Christ and a more supportive member of our church family.
My prayer for myself and for all of us in this stage of life is that we use our gathered wisdom to be a safe harbour for others. May we offer a listening ear without judgment, share stories of God’s past faithfulness with those who are losing heart, and model the pure, light-hearted joy that comes from trusting Him completely. After all, we are all part of God’s family!
So, to all my fellow senior sisters, let us press forward into this blessed season with love and courage, knowing without a doubt that God is walking right beside us every step of the way!