Last week I visited my daughter at her university, my alma mater. The campus looked just as I remembered it. We ate at my favorite frozen yogurt shop (now hers as well). I showed her the buildings where I had most of my classes. I pointed out the spot where her Dad asked me out for the first time—29 years ago.

Somehow, it feels like yesterday.

And yet, when I catch a glimpse of myself in the mirror, I see an older woman staring back at me. I may feel just a few years older than my 18-year-old self, but in reality I’m closer to retirement age than college age. As I consider the challenges and changes of midlife, I resonate with Shelley Madueme’s article, “5 Encouragements for Women in Midlife.” She offers helpful insight on the question, “How can Christian women navigate midlife well in an era that glorifies youth and is filled with new pressures, stresses, and changing roles?”

I’m convinced that aging well begins today and doesn’t involve expensive creams or procedures. We’re told that “those who look to him are radiant” (Ps. 34:5). As the years continue to pass, I hope to become a woman whose face crinkles with a joyful glow—one that comes from another year of knowing Christ and being increasingly conformed to his likeness. In a world that tells us our best days are behind us, the hope of knowing Christ reminds us that the best is yet to come.

With Hope,
Melissa Kruger

P.S. I know it’s still slightly early, but I want to give you a heads-up about our brand new Advent book, The Weary World Rejoices: Daily Devotions for Advent. With contributions from the editorial team, it will help you get your heart ready for Christmas. It’s available to pre-order now.