Scientists recently announced that as our life expectancies have increased, 72 is the new 30! Heartened by this exciting news, I promptly declared my adolescence and revamped my outlook on adulthood.
The promise of the years ahead has buoyed my spirits.
In all seriousness, of late I have been thankful for the wisdom of my years…and for the freedom and confidence that comes with being comfortable in my own skin (wrinkles and all).
Back in my teen years, my world was ruled by raging hormones, coupled with unbridled narcissism. Oh, that I would be popular! And would that boy I had a secret crush on ever like me?
Adolescence had me in such a spin. Thoughts of inner growth and development were a foreign concept. Focus on all things exterior were of utmost importance.
But now….oh joy…we get another chance at growing up!
The beauty of this is that we now are better equipped for the experience. Our backpacks for the journey now hold containers of life experience (along with various bags and sags which I refuse to discuss).
Way back when, puberty just happened. At this stage of the game, we can actually welcome – even cherish – new ways of growing and seeing.
All it takes is that “bring it on” attitude, and a willing and open heart…one joyfully expectant that there is more to life than we ever imagined. (And… these days just waking up every morning is enough to fuel gratefulness with a capital G.)
Now that we have such a new lease on life, where or to whom will you devote your time and energy? What thoughts will you allow to occupy your mind?
I hope that spiritual development will be high on your priority list. For as our years advance, our best and most secure investment is in the Lord. Let’s jump into to this “bonus phase” with gusto…and enjoy a deeper life for the long haul.
We will always win the popularity contest with Him.
So we’re not giving up. How could we! Even though on the outside it often looks like things are falling apart on us, on the inside, where God is making new life, not a day goes by without his unfolding grace. These hard times are small potatoes compared to the coming good times, the lavish celebration prepared for us. There’s far more here than meets the eye. The things we see now are here today, gone tomorrow. But the things we can’t see now will last forever. ~2 Corinthians 4:16-18 (The Message)
Oh my friend, you don’t know how much I needed these words of encouragement this morning…..thank you for the reminder to keep our eyes on the “lavish celebration” that is being prepared for us!! Consider yourself hugged!!
And hugs back to you, Di!
Toni
Love this, Toni– Each day is indeed a bonus & how will we spend it??! Great verse from The Message too! L
http://www.loisswagerty.com
Date: Wed, 24 Apr 2013 11:37:23 +0000 To: loisswag@hotmail.com
EXACTLY what I needed to read, also, Toni!! Thank you, thank you, for focusing my attention on the “right” stuff of aging – facing this “0” birthday, I will no longer contemplate that the number of years remaining in my life is dwindling with each day – rather, focus on the Corinthians verses (that I encouraged my father with many years ago…when I read his Bible after his death, I saw that he had written beside this verse, “Betty Anne showed me this”)
which carry life itself – the deep, inner life, linked to the Spirit…..
This is a beautiful memory, Betty… And a gift from your Dad… And your Heavenly Father as well…..
Toni
……and ageless, and timeless……..
Working with a young teen in the office had me thinking about this the past three weeks, Toni. I’m so grateful I am where I am, and WHO I am. The young gal is precious … and sweet … and innocent … and “so” teen! My call to “grandmother-mentor” feels right at this time. God is good. And we belong to this good and loving God … just as we are … experience-worn and ageless. And precious in God’s sight!
Yes indeed, Susan! Thanks for sharing…
Toni
..just had the moment to read…and I stopped in my tracks..once again, dear one…you place the words ..prefectly..to jar the nerves..hit the heart….and I am so thankful He has given you the gift.. with a ‘real’ nudge…gentle humor…as always….’hopeful!!
XO
Frannie
Oh no we’re not giving up! My Christian life has just begun…and is so amazing.
Thank you for your blog, dear Toni. Miss you and hope to see you in July and August, and October 26 (Liz’s wedding…) xo
We definitely look forward to your time here this summer, and getting together. Hoping to be there for LIz’s wedding too! Miss you, friend…..xo