“You know you’re old when the candles cost more than the cake.”

Bob Hope was a great comedian and he once said, “You know you’re old when the candles cost more than the cake.” But I don’t need a cake to tell me how old I am. My body tracks my age. It wishes me happy birthday way before candles appear on top of the now flaming birthday cake! However, I journey through another year grateful for it. As I start into the month that Hallmark calls Loveuary, I get closer to another lighted candle. There is peace knowing God is with me every step of my journey. And, most important, He will still be with me at the end of my sojourn. “And I will still be carrying you when you are old. Your hair will turn gray, and I will still carry you. I made you, and I will carry you to safety.” —Isaiah 46:4. No matter the condition of our earthly bodies, we are to do our utmost to live a life that honors Him. God gives us love and grace as sure as the candles increase on our cakes. Paul tells us that God is rich in mercy, and because of His great love for us, He saves us by grace. See Ephesians 2:4-5. Yes, life is an exercise in love and endurance. It is just recognized better in aging faces. We can be sure God delights in our twinkling eyes, our laughter and grins, and the creases and lines that etch our life experiences. For He tells us, “Wisdom is with the aged, and understanding in length of days.”—Job 12:12. It is up to each of us to share our healthy, spiritual love, and wisdom with one one another. As the candles glow upon our birthday cakes in 2022, let’s imagine the Light is celebrating His love for us and another year of being His. Happy Valentine’s Day to you and your loved ones. —C.K. Sharpe