Image by Johannes Plenio
Thought for the Week
Oh, how the world has changed. Ten years ago, I’d just seen Pixar’s Inside Out and cried like a baby; president Obama was normalizing relations with other countries; and Donald Trump had just begun campaigning for the presidency (“That Trump?” I asked). And ten years ago, on Facebook, I wrote:
My hearing has been getting worse since my early 30s. Still, today was a miserable milestone: It was the first time I’ve ever had to walk out on a [different] movie because I couldn’t hear the dialogue! Depressing? Oh, yeah. But then I remembered all the things I still have–God, family, friends, health, my writing, my wonderful wife Trudy–and, well, I suddenly realized that today was a very good day.
Some things have indeed gotten worse: The health and financial well-being of so many people; humans finding new reasons to hate and kill each other; and, well, I’ll keep mum on the presidency, but in many ways the world seems suckier. And yet…
Others things have gotten better: I still have family and friends. Plus, I’ve made new friends all over the world via this online community. My wife and I are coming up on our 40th anniversary. And best of all, while my physical hearing has gotten worse, my ability to hear my Creator has grown stronger. Eternal me fades slowly into view as, little by little, material me releases his grip.
So, what’s changed in your last ten years? What’s gotten better?
What can be made better still?
Hearing issues suck. A year ago I was in the same boat you are. I was fitted with hearing aids and it’s made life so much better. Good luck, and I hope you find a solution to the problem.
Don’t know why this came up without identifying me for who I am. Look into hearing assistance of some type. You won’t regret it.
I’ve been wearing aids for the last six years, Jim. And you’re right, I don’t regret it.
I wearing hearing aids now, actually. They’re not perfect, but they certainly do help.
With a greater loss of health (onset of Crohn’s, meds making it worse so far), my prayers ask to align what I’m going through (also my Favorite Guy, a Vietnam vet with Parkinson’s and a blood disorder) with where our Creator’s plans are headed with it all.
Ten years ago, I almost died. It took 4 months for the diagnosis, a virus that still haunts me. At nearly the same time, my husband had a quadruple bypass. We sort of figured that He wasn’t done with us yet, although ten years on, we still don’t know why.
By the way, Mitch, I lost most of the hearing in my right ear by the time I was 30. The left one is catching up. Without my hearing aids, I am functionally deaf. Modern technology is amazing. You have no idea what you’re missing!
Joy, this comment was meant for Mitch, obviously. For you, I continue to pray for you and your Favorite Guy.
!!
Definitely the right thing to pray, Joy. Wishing you unexpected blessings along the way.
It’s all about perspective. Thanks for the glimpse into yours, Mitch!
Perspective indeed, Wynne.
Wishing all the best for you, My right knee retired but I can do for myself, get around my apartment, and it does not hurt. However, I can no longer dance which I have not done for ages but would like to have kept the option open, I also need a cat who will listen to all my sad tails and be there for me but I will adopt and address that issue after the hot summer is over,
Blessings along the way, Rasma. And I hope your find a feline family member who’s first class listener.
I hear you about hearing loss, Mitch. I started losing my hearing in 2011 and am now completely deaf. I have a cochlear implant on my left side and will be receiving another one on my right side sometime in the next few months. But as you noted, the loss of “external” hearing has led to a dramatic increase in my “internal” hearing. Also, in a very practical and necessary way it has made me more observant of the world and people around me.
I’d not realized that, Steve, but I’m so pleased to “hear” how you’ve gained insights along the way.
Great post, yes our external is fading, but like Caleb, inwardly we can be as strong or stronger than we were, we still have a lot to do.
I now live for me and my purpose, I care about what people think of me because I’m human, but that doesn’t dictate my life, as much as it used to. The older I get the more free I become.
“For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day.”
2 Corinthians 4:16
Amen
Press on toward that upward calling, my friend.
Amen
The audio quality of movies has deteriorated considerably it may not just be your hearing
That’s very true.
I love your concluding thought, Mitch…focusing on what we can make better. Thank you! ❤️❤️❤️
My privilege, dear Vicki!
Xo! 🥰
Great post with a positive spin, Mitch. Everything has changed for hubs and I, as we both have been fully retired for the past ten years, and have been fortunate to be able to live out our retirement dreams.
Wonderful, Terry!
Well, I now have prescription glasses, where ten years ago I used reading glasses. Now I have to take Rx, but I don’t think I’m too bad off. I now have grandchildren, the great joys of my life. But mostly, my understanding of scripture has grown, and have posted my thoughts for six years, and there is an interest in readers to want to read them.
Thanks for asking, Mitch. Blessings
And blessings to you, my friend.
Mitch, my comment ended up as a reply to Joy. Please do me a favour and read it there. Typing seems to aggravate my bad shoulder, the one that will be replaced soon, I hope.
Will do, Gail. And prayers for your shoulder.
🙏💖
Thinkin’ ’bout this jewel harder later, Mitch, but for now, 10 years ago, I had 2 fewer grands, and cousin and I had at least 8 fewer great-grands between us. Our *kids* are getting old. 😉
:>)
10 years ago, I was overcoming unhealthy relationships with other people. I’m grateful for the growth in my life.
So happy to hear that.
Congrats! Forty years is a good chunk of time to spend with someone. May your future be golden.
Thank you, Christina.
I bailed out of higher education administration five years earlier than I’d planned. Life is much, much better now, especially my writing output.
Write on, Liz!
Thanks, Mitch!
Congrats! My hearing has gotten worse also (tinnitus).
A lot can happen over the span of a year, let alone 10 of them. Seven years ago I was drinking around the clock and committing suicide-by-bottle. But in November of 2018, Jesus saved me.
He took me from 80-proof to Living Proof. 🙂
That’s the most potent stuff there is, Scott! ;>)
I am not able to “like” your posts, but I do like all of them.
10 years has been a bumpy ride. I cared for my 96 year old parents, lost each: mom in 2016 and daddy in 2023 at age 99.5. I am a gramma to six grand kiddos but I only see two, my older daughter’s girls. I am estranged from my younger daughter and her husband because I had a melt down some time around 2022. It totally wrecked me. My son in law is punishing me and the longer it goes on, the sadder it gets for everyone. Strained family gatherings etc.
They refuse to reconcile, they want a family therapist. I am 70 and not interested in going to family therapy.
Hubbs and I are finally half way moved into our last home (probably)
We have to work on preparing and selling the old house, but no rush.
and I am ready to start back sewing and improving my piano playing and making some new friends here…. and enjoying my two grand daughters that I have.
Thank you for having a great blog, just more lovely encouragement for our lives these days.
What a lovely thing to say, Rosemary. Praying for your family.
Sorry to hear you can’t like my posts, btw. Has this been true for a long time? (WordPress glitches are legion, but they do tend to come and go.)
I too acquired hearing aids, just before Covid. So thankful for the advanced technology that lets me quickly set them for noise filter, speech clarity, and more–from my phone. Ten years ago I did lots of babysitting for a toddler granddaughter; now she’s twelve and has a little sister, age eight. Thankful for pics and videos that help me remember those fleeting days!
All this time I hadn’t realized you wore aids, Nancy. May I ask what brand?
The world has changed a lot in the last decade, it is mostly been chaos moving into this year
I quit porn! Hallelujah!
A lot has happened in 10 years. 10 years ago was when my Dad and brother left this earth within three weeks of each other.
But, like someone said: “it’s all about perspective.” We can cry and be bitter about what we lost and all that went wrong; which makes life even more miserable. Or we can focus on all that is still right and being alive to enjoy life still. Cup half-full or half-empty.
Thanks for sharing.
You’ve taken the right path by avoiding bitterness and embracing life. Although it can be a difficult choice to make, I know.
Great advice for us all. Thank you.
My pleasure, TT. (Sorry, afraid I don’t know your name.)
Hi Mitch, my name is Funmi. My initial persona was faceless and unknown when I started my blog, but I’m gradually introducing my face and self. Thanks for your continued support.
I happy to do so, Funmi!
Mitch, where do I start?
My health is pretty good but the joints are beginning to get sore after a few hours of walking. Work has become a chore. I would retire now but my wife thinks we should keep at it (I’m 58 in a couple of weeks). My kids are no longer teenagers and out in the world doing their thing; we hear from them quite a bit but not as much as we’d like. And I’ve been married 33 years on 5 September 2025. As to my faith, I don’t have one save the belief that poetry and writing will keep me sane.
Stay well my friend.
Julian
You too, Julian.
“…while my physical hearing has gotten worse, my ability to hear my Creator has grown stronger.”
This is the best line I have read today. God bless you.
Why, thank you, Lazarus, and may God bless you as well.
I’m sorry your hearing deteriorated Mitch but I love how your ears are opened to hear the Creator more.
So much can happen in ten years, it doesn’t look like much has changed but so much has changed.
It certainly has.
I have grown more self-confident and seem to trust in God more during difficult circumstances. Plus, I no longer let little things or most others opinions stress me out.
You go, Venus!
Not a glass half full, but a cup that runs over.
<3
I look back over 8 decades – and am amazed at just how different things were at the end of each one from the situation at he beginning. Even so, these last ten years seem to have brought more than their fair share of change and it’s getting harder to keep up!
<3
In the last 10 years both our daughters got married and moved to UK from South Africa, our family business has come to fruition and our biggest trading country is USA, we moved to Scotland, I finally can move around freely because of my overdue ankle surgery, and with a deep and satisfying marriage our 40th wedding anniversary is next year. We are truly blessed with health and wellness and God’s love 💕
Lovely to take time and share reflections. Thank you.
Wonderful developments, Morag.
Hi Mitch! As I get older the decades just stream by and many loved ones have passed on, but I can still feel their presence. I love that you wrote – “…while my physical hearing has gotten worse, my ability to hear my Creator has grown stronger.” I smiled when I read that and nodded my head. Yes I can attest to that also – my physical hearing is not as good and replete with constant ringing, but I also can hear my Creator. He often taps me on the shoulder and tells me to pay attention. And now – I listen very intently! Thanks, Mitch!
And thank you, Joanne!
What’s changed in the last 10 years for me for the better? Hmmm… My wife and I have grown closer; I retired at just the right time (to help 3 siblings in a distant state); I started blogging; I started preaching (2X a year; I think it’s been good anyway! 🤔😀); I’m looking forward to heaven more and more. There are definitely other things as well, but those are some of the biggest ones.
Good developments, my friend.
I love just how you put yourself in almost all your writing, and encourages people…. Very profound 💖
And I pray that God keeps you stronger and healthier for the purpose(s) He has for you, regardless of the hearing issue which I know must suck
Thank you so much, OJ. <3
You’re welcome