--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: Growing old has been the greatest…" description: "\"Growing old has been the greatest surprise of my life.\" — Billy Graham" image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/a3c/billy-graham-234_been_growing-old-has-been-the-greatest-surpri_930280.png" --- # Growing old has been the greatest surprise of my life. ![“Growing old has been the greatest surprise of my life.” quote by Billy Graham](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/a3c/billy-graham-234_been_growing-old-has-been-the-greatest-surpri_930280.png) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/a3c/billy-graham-234_been_growing-old-has-been-the-greatest-surpri_930280.png) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/a3c/billy-graham-234_been_growing-old-has-been-the-greatest-surpri_930280.png) > “Growing old has been the greatest surprise of my life.” [Billy Graham](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/billy-graham/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. Growing old is unexpectedly the most remarkable aspect of life. **In simple terms:** Aging is a surprising gift. Key Takeaway Embrace aging as a blessing. Themes aging gratitude life perspective surprise wisdom Mood reflective hopeful Type spiritual personal development When to use this quote - retirement - family gatherings - personal reflection Key Concepts mortality spiritual growth humility Questions to Reflect On - What has aging taught you about purpose? - How do you stay hopeful as you age? A Different Perspective Aging can bring health challenges and loss. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Growing old](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/growing-old/) [Life](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/life/) [Surprise](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/surprise/) ## Related quotes > ["What is the greatest surprise you have found about life?" a university student asked me several years ago. "The brevity of it," I replied…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/billy-graham/what-is-the-greatest-surprise-you-have-found-about-life-a-university/) [Billy Graham](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/billy-graham/) > [The greatest surprise in life to me is the brevity of life.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/billy-graham/the-greatest-surprise-in-life-to-me-is-the-brevity-of-life/) [Billy Graham](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/billy-graham/) > [You showed me something I couldn't see, I don't wanna hide in the shadow, all I know is that I can't stop loving you…you…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/fash/you-showed-me-something-i-couldn-t-see-i-don-t-wanna-hide-in-the/) Fash > [Fate is the greatest cause of change anywhere, it can be the greatest surprise, and can be the greatest killer at times.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/miguel-lofland/fate-is-the-greatest-cause-of-change-anywhere-it-can-be-the-greatest/) Miguel Lofland > [The whole business was like a child's toy that you could buy at the dime store, all built in this wonderful way that you…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/max-delbruck/the-whole-business-was-like-a-child-s-toy-that-you-could-buy-at-the/) [Max Delbruck](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/max-delbruck/) > [We are our own greatest surprise.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/paulo-coelho/we-are-our-own-greatest-surprise/) [Paulo Coelho](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/paulo-coelho/) > [Your the greatest surprise of my life, everthing change when you came into me. I Love you more than love](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/fash/your-the-greatest-surprise-of-my-life-everthing-change-when-you-came/) Fash > [That I exist is a perpetual surprise which is life.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/rabindranath-tagore/that-i-exist-is-a-perpetual-surprise-which-is-life/) [Rabindranath Tagore](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/rabindranath-tagore/) > [“While on a left-turning road, stop your vehicle, get out of the vehicle, start walking to the right! Surprise life, because life is sure…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/mehmet-murat-ildan/while-on-a-left-turning-road-stop-your-vehicle-get-out-of-the-vehicle/) [Mehmet Murat ildan](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/mehmet-murat-ildan/) > [The most delightful surprise in life is to suddenly recognise your own worth.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/maxwell-maltz/the-most-delightful-surprise-in-life-is-to-suddenly-recognise-your/) [Maxwell Maltz](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/maxwell-maltz/) > [Prayer adds an element of surprise to your life that is more fun than a surprise party or surprise gift or surprise romance. In…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/mark-batterson/prayer-adds-an-element-of-surprise-to-your-life-that-is-more-fun-than/) [Mark Batterson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/mark-batterson/) > [I suppose it's nice to have some surprise in life and to surprise yourself in life and see what else you can do.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/paul-weller/i-suppose-it-s-nice-to-have-some-surprise-in-life-and-to-surprise/) [Paul Weller](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/paul-weller/) > [Surprise is joy, a way to feel, beyond the feelings, of my heart to yield. Surprise is life that cannot sleep.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anonymous/surprise-is-joy-a-way-to-feel-beyond-the-feelings-of-my-heart-to/) [Anonymous](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anonymous/) > [Italy was a surprise in my life. I went there just to make money and then go back to Israel and study psychology. The…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/moran-atias/italy-was-a-surprise-in-my-life-i-went-there-just-to-make-money-and/) [Moran Atias](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/moran-atias/) > [When granted many years of life, growing old in age is natural, but growing old with grace is a choice. Growing older with grace…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/billy-graham/when-granted-many-years-of-life-growing-old-in-age-is-natural-but/) [Billy Graham](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/billy-graham/) ## More by Billy Graham > [Faith is the avenue to salvation. Not intellectual understanding. Not money. Not your works. Just simple faith. How much faith? The faith of a…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/billy-graham/faith-is-the-avenue-to-salvation-not-intellectual-understanding-not/) [Billy Graham](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/billy-graham/) > [“Do all the good you can, By all the means you can, In all the ways you can, In all the places you can,…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/billy-graham/do-all-the-good-you-can-by-all-the-means-you-can-in-all-the-ways-you/) [Billy Graham](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/billy-graham/) > [“Make sure of your salvation by turning your life over to Him now.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/billy-graham/make-sure-of-your-salvation-by-turning-your-life-over-to-him-now/) [Billy Graham](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/billy-graham/) > [Suffering in life can uncover untold depths of character and unknown strength for service. People who go through life unscathed by sorrow and untouched…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/billy-graham/suffering-in-life-can-uncover-untold-depths-of-character-and-unknown/) [Billy Graham](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/billy-graham/) > [Faith is loved and honored by God more than any other single thing.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/billy-graham/faith-is-loved-and-honored-by-god-more-than-any-other-single-thing/) [Billy Graham](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/billy-graham/) > [If people are kicking you in the behind, at least you're in front of them.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/billy-graham/if-people-are-kicking-you-in-the-behind-at-least-you-re-in-front-of/) [Billy Graham](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/billy-graham/) > [The end of the world begins the moment you die.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/billy-graham/the-end-of-the-world-begins-the-moment-you-die/) [Billy Graham](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/billy-graham/) > [Those are decisions only the Lord will make. I believe the love of God is absolute. He said he gave his son for the…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/billy-graham/those-are-decisions-only-the-lord-will-make-i-believe-the-love-of-god/) [Billy Graham](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/billy-graham/) > [I think it is a sin to look at another person as inferior to yourself because of race or because of ethnic background and…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/billy-graham/i-think-it-is-a-sin-to-look-at-another-person-as-inferior-to-yourself/) [Billy Graham](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/billy-graham/) > [My hope does not rest in the affairs of this world. It rests in Christ who is coming again.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/billy-graham/my-hope-does-not-rest-in-the-affairs-of-this-world-it-rests-in-christ/) [Billy Graham](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/billy-graham/) > [To get nations back on their feet, we must first get down on our knees.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/billy-graham/to-get-nations-back-on-their-feet-we-must-first-get-down-on-our-knees/) [Billy Graham](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/billy-graham/) > [Those who have suffered make the best comforters.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/billy-graham/those-who-have-suffered-make-the-best-comforters/) [Billy Graham](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/billy-graham/) > [One response was given by the innkeeper when Mary and Joseph wanted to find a room where the Child could be born. The innkeeper…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/billy-graham/one-response-was-given-by-the-innkeeper-when-mary-and-joseph-wanted/) [Billy Graham](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/billy-graham/) > [Sin is the second most powerful force in the universe, for it sent Jesus to the cross. Only one force is greater-the love of…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/billy-graham/sin-is-the-second-most-powerful-force-in-the-universe-for-it-sent/) [Billy Graham](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/billy-graham/) > [Ruth and I don't have a perfect marriage, but we have a great one. How can I say two things that seem so contradictory?…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/billy-graham/ruth-and-i-don-t-have-a-perfect-marriage-but-we-have-a-great-one-how/) [Billy Graham](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/billy-graham/) [Explore all 853 Billy Graham quotes ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/billy-graham/) ## More Been quotes > [When I was trying to come up with a stage name, I thought 'Lord' was super rad, but really masculine - ever since I…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/lorde/when-i-was-trying-to-come-up-with-a-stage-name-i-thought-lord-was/) [Lorde](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/lorde/) > [I once told someone I could act. They totally bought it. 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Or…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/natasha-lyonne/i-would-have-done-well-as-a-gypsy-child-i-think-a-circus-baby-i/) [Natasha Lyonne](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/natasha-lyonne/) > [A lot of people have been saying 'The 100' reminds them of 'Lord Of The Flies,' 'Lost' and 'Battlestar Galactica,' and all of those…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/marie-avgeropoulos/a-lot-of-people-have-been-saying-the-100-reminds-them-of-lord-of-the/) [Marie Avgeropoulos](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/marie-avgeropoulos/) > [I'm a character actor - always have been, always will be - and historically, character actors don't come into their own until later in…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/annie-potts/i-m-a-character-actor-always-have-been-always-will-be-and/) [Annie Potts](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/annie-potts/) > [Well, I've been politically involved for a really long time. Growing up in the segregated South, it was a very painful experience for me…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/cybill-shepherd/well-i-ve-been-politically-involved-for-a-really-long-time-growing-up/) [Cybill Shepherd](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/cybill-shepherd/) > [I've seen guys come along with more ability - they've been faster or bigger or stronger - but they never worked hard to develop…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/steve-largent/i-ve-seen-guys-come-along-with-more-ability-they-ve-been-faster-or/) [Steve Largent](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/steve-largent/) > [I have always been a big meta guy because I think the way journalism is practiced in Washington, and the way everyone sort of…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/mark-leibovich/i-have-always-been-a-big-meta-guy-because-i-think-the-way-journalism/) [Mark Leibovich](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/mark-leibovich/) > [Windmills and solar cells are carbon-free sources of electricity. But they are costly. If you've been investing in those, give it up. That game…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/kenneth-fisher/windmills-and-solar-cells-are-carbon-free-sources-of-electricity-but/) [Kenneth Fisher](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/kenneth-fisher/) > [Once I committed to acting, this has been it.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/ernie-hudson/once-i-committed-to-acting-this-has-been-it/) [Ernie Hudson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/ernie-hudson/) > [I have never been in, nor have I had any strong particular desire to be in, what is termed a costume drama, but I…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/martin-freeman/i-have-never-been-in-nor-have-i-had-any-strong-particular-desire-to/) [Martin Freeman](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/martin-freeman/) > [There has always been a feeling with people that they love my singing but not always the choice of material.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/alison-moyet/there-has-always-been-a-feeling-with-people-that-they-love-my-singing/) [Alison Moyet](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/alison-moyet/) > [I've always been a believer in research. It's great to have an instinctual human reaction to a character, too, of course, but it has…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/chiwetel-ejiofor/i-ve-always-been-a-believer-in-research-it-s-great-to-have-an/) [Chiwetel Ejiofor](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/chiwetel-ejiofor/) Browse all 13,699 Been quotes ```json { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@graph": [ { "@type": "Quotation", "text": "Growing old has been the greatest surprise of my life.", "creator": { "@type": "Person", "name": "Billy Graham" }, "isPartOf": { "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#website" }, "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/billy-graham/growing-old-has-been-the-greatest-surprise-of-my-life/", "about": { "@type": "Thing", "name": "Been" }, "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/billy-graham/growing-old-has-been-the-greatest-surprise-of-my-life/#quotation", "image": { "@type": "ImageObject", "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/a3c/billy-graham-234_been_growing-old-has-been-the-greatest-surpri_930280.png", "contentUrl": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/a3c/billy-graham-234_been_growing-old-has-been-the-greatest-surpri_930280.png", "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/a3c/billy-graham-234_been_growing-old-has-been-the-greatest-surpri_930280.png", "width": 1080, "height": 1080, "caption": "“Growing old has been the greatest surprise of my life.” — Billy Graham", "creditText": "SMS4Smile Quotes", "creator": { "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#organization" } } }, { "@type": "BreadcrumbList", "itemListElement": [ { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 1, "name": "Home", "item": "https://sms4smile.com/" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 2, "name": "Quotes", "item": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 3, "name": "Billy Graham", "item": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/billy-graham/" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 4, "name": "Growing old has been the greatest...", "item": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/billy-graham/growing-old-has-been-the-greatest-surprise-of-my-life/" } ], "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/billy-graham/growing-old-has-been-the-greatest-surprise-of-my-life/#breadcrumb" }, { "@type": "WebSite", "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#website", "name": "SMS4Smile Quotes", "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/", "publisher": { "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#organization" } }, { "@type": "Organization", "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#organization", "name": "SMS4Smile Quotes", "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/", "logo": { "@type": "ImageObject", "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/wp-content/themes/sq/assets/icons/icon-512.png", "width": 512, "height": 512 } } ] } ```