What are we preparing for?
Life is hard, though also filled with beauty, and wonder, and yes there is always hope. My eyes that look out upon the world today do not see the same things as I once did when I was a callow youth. I have lost a certain innocence as I aged, and I think that is a good addition, as long as it does not lead to bitterness or cynicism.
I actually like aging, even though there is a lot that goes with that. Deepening faith and a growing trust in God help me deal with