I have read many books in my lifetime. I enjoy reading to learn and grow in my walk with the Lord. There are fiction books I enjoy reading as well which are purely for my entertainment. Sometimes, I read a book that I wish I had read years ago. Dust to Dust by Jen Wilkin is one of those books. You probably think it’s natural for someone my age to pick up a book on aging. The assumption being that I’m going through it so I need the help. Let me assure you that no matter what your age is, you need to read this book to prepare you for the aging process that comes to us all.

Part one of this book is about the biblical view of aging and the world’s view of aging which is really anti-aging. We have all fallen for it whether we are believers or not. It seems that this world has made youth an idol which is to be worshiped at all costs. Look to the industries that are promoted on your Facebook page. Eat this! Take that! Do this for 30 days! The fountain of youth is here! Just a little nip and tuck! The world wants us to believe that we can somehow stop the aging process which is considered bad. This is definitely not the view God gives us in His Word.

On page 20, Jen writes, “The true story of aging says: Outward decline yields inward growth of spiritual and resurrection hope. To age is to deepen.” “Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day.” 2 Corinthians 4:16

Shouldn’t we all desire to deepen in our spiritual walk as we age? Acceptance of where we are in life is crucial.

In Part two, Jen takes us through the life cycle. She has entitled it, “The Lord gives, and the Lord takes way. She talks about first breath to last breath. Every age group is addressed in this section. There is a connection made in the caregiving of a child by a parent, then to the parent by a child. She covers the joy that can be had when we care for those we love as they lose their independence in so many ways. The world promotes self which gives rise to people more concerned about themselves than the elders who need help. We have a culture that worships youth so much that those who are older become an irritation like a fly buzzing around our heads. When we give into this culture, we miss out on the wisdom of experience which is in the hearts of the elderly.

On page 83, Jen writes, “Often, we think of them (older people) as people who used to be someone…The imago Dei does not fade with age. It is worthy of nurture for all of life.”

We need to take advantage of those who are mature in our church community by spending time with them and learning from them. Isn’t that what Paul wrote to Titus concerning the church in Titus 2?

On page 97, Jen writes, “Mentoring is nothing less than a faithful transfer of generational wealth, a wealth of knowledge and wisdom tested by time.”

As followers of Christ, we need to take advantage of the wisdom within our church family. There is so much we can glean from the deepening wisdom of old age.

The truth is there is so much packed into part two of this book, you need to buy it and read it yourself to glean all the wisdom there. When she approaches part three, she helps us to remember who we are in Christ. This life is short lived but eternity is waiting for us. We are dust and to dust we will return is what the Scriptures say. We have to believe this and not fall for the world’s ideas that youth is a better thing to strive for than eternity. We must learn to live within the pressure of this culture by setting our minds on things above. We can’t live in fear of aging, but must learn to embrace aging and the wisdom that comes with it.

On page 177, Jen writes, “In a world that incessantly and frantically asks how not to age, we ask, instead, how to age with wisdom.”

That statement is one which I resonate with now that I’m officially old. I want to continue to grow in wisdom and knowledge of the Lord.

I was deeply touched and actually cried as I read how Jen closed out part two when speaking of her daughter. I think this is for all of us, regardless of age. I want to end with this and encourage you to read this book for your growth as you age.

“And that she will be so busy about the work of the kingdom—hands quick to help, feet swift to serve, ears ready to listen, words eager to bless—that she will have forgotten entirely to look in the mirror.” Page 157