We all have shared great laughs over the perils and advantages of aging this week. I will leave this series of posts with this final post on a more serious note. Although I love to laugh, I also spend a great deal of time and thought on introspection--examining who I am. One thing is undeniable---Sunday I will enter the last year of my seventh decade---that does not upset me and in fact reminds me of how blessed I am. A few short weeks ago, I was thinking how glad I would be to have my 60's behind me, they have held some of the greatest moments of devastation of my life. God kindly nudged me after a couple of days of my pity party and reminded me---some of the greatest moments of blessings of my life had also occurred during this decade. This has given me cause to stop and consider how I intend to spend the final year of yet another decade. I have come away with four rules for finishing this decade well.
1. LOOK BEYOND MYSELF-- A sweet friend was recently lamenting no one had noticed her change of hair style. I laughed and told her we were all too busy staring at ourselves in the mirror to notice anyone else. Sadly we are all born with a streak of narcissism. Though I try to deny it, why else would I color my hair, buy new clothes, and compare myself to others. It's all about me--not them! What a silly waste of time and energy. I am praying for God to cloud my mirrors and help me to look up and out. I have always been far more blessed by the time spent with others than sitting in front of my mirror.
2. BE OPEN TO OPPORTUNITY, CHANGE & DEEPER RELATIONSHIPS--The very best me and the very best moments of my life all centered around others--family, friends, ministry partners --other people. Every plunge into change required courage and was rewarded with moments of wonder and the thrill of new experiences. Keeping my eyes open and my ears turned to opportunities for spreading the good word of unlimited grace should be my primary focus. Dare to say yes--even when it is so far from my comfort zone I think it might be the twilight zone. Seize the moment and savor the day. Make the most of every opportunity God places in your path. Above all plunge deeply into relationships with the expectation of being blessed by the others God has placed in my life.
3. DON'T WASTE ENERGY ON NEGATIVE EMOTIONS--Think of any negative emotion--hatred, jealousy, vengeance, fear, worry, doubt, sadness. Even when we have righteously earned the right to the negative emotion--it is best when we can walk away from the negative and seek the joy all around us. Search the scripture, David mourned his son, turned away and resumed life. Ask God for help with leaving the negative behind and seeking the positive. Know and cherish joy.
4. LOOK FOR GOD--He is there--He is always here--He is present in every moment. He never leaves us--we turn from Him. Stay present with God--enjoy His presence--cherish His love. Know that He is God--He loves us best--He will not forsake us. Things are always the best they can be when we are practicing knowing the presence of God. I thank God He woes me, loves me and faithfully cherishes me.
I am thankful for these 69 years--and am looking forward to making a great effort from the depth of my heart to finish this decade well. Thank you all for blessing me by reading and commenting on my stream of loose association. I thank God for each and everyone of you. May He richly bless you as you have richly blessed me!
Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances,
for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.
I Thessalonians 5:16-18