Personally? I believe everyone should make a major life change around age 50. You know, something beyond ones self, something that --if God doesn't do it through you--then it will fail.
I'm still learning to deal with mine.
Oh, there's so much to learn out on this wild, old farm! I call it wild because--take a few days off--and the whole thing turns all over-grown and wild-looking and starts screaming, "Do something, for I'm such an eyesore!"
What a challenge. But alas, a good one, what with the mowing and decorating and pulling of weeds and gardening and pulling of weeds and the errands and pulling of weeds and cleaning and cooking of meals in the midst of all the aforementioned activity--and did I mention the pulling of weeds?
And all the learning of new things! That's what makes me recommend a huge life change at 50. Because often by then some of us have become all been-there-done-that-what's-there-left-to-do? ... and that's not good. I've known people who, as they age, become sour, foreboding and cranky because of how Life turned out or after losing their curiosity and love of learning. Whimsy slid out the back door eons ago, a mild sort of bitterness entered, instead, and colored everything, as though peering out of brown glass windows. And then the talk becomes all about the good old days, even though the Bible says this:
"Do not say, 'Why were the old days better than these?' For it is not wise to ask such questions." Ecclesiastes 7:10
I want to start out well and finish that way, too. Not whining about changes, even huge ones, but rather, I want my relationship with God to determine how my days go and feel--not my circumstances. Oh, there will be days when I'll slip into that moaning gear, I'm sure. But if you ever hear me sniffling on and on and on like that for months at a time, well, you have my permission to shoot me. :)
I'm still learning to deal with mine.
Oh, there's so much to learn out on this wild, old farm! I call it wild because--take a few days off--and the whole thing turns all over-grown and wild-looking and starts screaming, "Do something, for I'm such an eyesore!"
What a challenge. But alas, a good one, what with the mowing and decorating and pulling of weeds and gardening and pulling of weeds and the errands and pulling of weeds and cleaning and cooking of meals in the midst of all the aforementioned activity--and did I mention the pulling of weeds?
And all the learning of new things! That's what makes me recommend a huge life change at 50. Because often by then some of us have become all been-there-done-that-what's-there-left-to-do? ... and that's not good. I've known people who, as they age, become sour, foreboding and cranky because of how Life turned out or after losing their curiosity and love of learning. Whimsy slid out the back door eons ago, a mild sort of bitterness entered, instead, and colored everything, as though peering out of brown glass windows. And then the talk becomes all about the good old days, even though the Bible says this:
"Do not say, 'Why were the old days better than these?' For it is not wise to ask such questions." Ecclesiastes 7:10
I want to start out well and finish that way, too. Not whining about changes, even huge ones, but rather, I want my relationship with God to determine how my days go and feel--not my circumstances. Oh, there will be days when I'll slip into that moaning gear, I'm sure. But if you ever hear me sniffling on and on and on like that for months at a time, well, you have my permission to shoot me. :)
Boy! I hear ya! There's this feeling that comes after turning 50 that you can do whatever you want..and then think "what DO I want to do?" This year's verse for me is Jeremiah 6:16:
ReplyDeleteThis is what the LORD says: "Stand at the crossroads and look; ask for ancient paths, ask where the good way is, and walk in it, and you will find rest for your souls"
What a lovely post. Such a good reminder to see life as a wonderful challange, not a burdon. The older I get the more I see life as precious. A big change is one way to revitalize our lives. We may choose the change or we may have it thrust upon us. But if we trust God we will always be protected.
ReplyDeleteLife changing is all the time all around. You have found your niche, the one you suspected was meant to be all along. The friends you mention below are only acquaintances that helped you along your path to who you are now and who you will be when you go home. And likewise you helped them and thank God we are not all-alike cause that would be boring just talking to yourself all day long nodding in agreement we might would get whiplash. Ya think?.
ReplyDeleteYEP...I Turned 50 in June and I'm making a major change. I'm pushing hard (raising funds) so I can volunteer full time for a great non-profit that helps indiginuous farmers. The org is Growers First.
ReplyDeleteTime to change lives besides my own