The Queen and Her Royal Longevity

Happy belated birthday to Queen Elizabeth who turned ninety last week. Her Majesty has been around a long time and her British monarchy is the longest ever, surpassing her great-great-grandmother, Queen Victoria, who reigned 64 years. Can you imagine the changes in her country she has witnessed in those many years? The best news is she still remains an amazing force for good in the U.K. and beyond.

You may be wondering why my post is about Queen Elizabeth today. Longevity. Obviously, her expiration label is way beyond most. I looked it up. Here's what "they" say why she's still around:

1. She has regular medical screenings and good medical care.

2. She gets regular exercise.The Brits are big walkers, and so is the Queen. How many nonagenarians do you know who still rides horses?

3. She stays mentally sharp. The queen is still a functioning head of state involved with high-level meetings that keep her mentally acute AND she has a keen interest in the Internet, and is said to e-mail her grandchildren, too. (Listen to that, Grannies out there who shun social media! You could be sharpening your mental state if you'd join us here!)

4. She's learned to handle stress. Just think of it -- having to be on display through all the family scandals and three of her four children had failed marriages that threatened her monarchy.

5. She volunteers and helps others through her many charitable works.

6. She loves her pets -- dogs and horses.

Besides eating healthy, here's the one that impressed me the most. Queen Elizabeth credits her longevity and positive spirit to her resolute faith. She addresses it regularly. Here are her own words:  

~ "For me the teachings of Christ and my own personal accountability before God provide a framework in which I try to lead my life."

~ "I know just how much I rely on my own faith to guide me through the good times and the bad."

~ And, in last year's Christmas message, she stated: "It is true that the world has had to confront moments of darkness this year, but the Gospel of John contains a verse of great hope, often read at Christmas carol services: 'The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.'"

I'm taking her "longevity" tips to heart. I want my actions AND reactions to life, with its ups and downs, to define my life and legacy. Though I'm not the queen of a country, I'm the queen of my house (the home I live in and the home of Christ that lives in me) and whether my expiration date defies the odds like Queen Elizabeth, or has a shelf life of just a few more years, I have this one determined purpose.....Philippians 3:10 "I want to know Christ and the power of His resurrection". When I know and trust Him, regardless what is going on in this world or my own little world, like Queen Elizabeth, my faith will guide me and His light will shine brightly and dispel the darkness around me. God Save the Queen!