I learned in Bible class once that you could divide the life
of Moses into 3 40-year parts. His first 40 years were spent in Egypt, the next
40 years he was a shepherd, and he spent his last 40 years with the Israelites
wondering around in the desert.
It seems like my life can be divided up into thirds too. The
first 20 years I was a kid. The next 20 was spent having and raising kids of my
own. And now, as a 40-something grown-up, I'm enjoying life in a new way. I
have the freedom to be and do pretty much anything my conscience, aging body,
and pocketbook will allow.
The one who said, "Life begins at 40," wasn't
kidding. This is a great time in my life. Not that the first 40 years weren't,
but I'm finding a peace and contentment and, as Susan Ann likes to call it, an
attitude of gratitude that has blessed and surprised me as I age.
Growing old isn't such a bad thing. I think the older I get, the better I get.
I don't say that to brag. I wouldn't be who I am today if it weren't for lots of hard lessons
learned along the way. I still have a lot to learn, (Proverbs 10:19, Proverbs 11:2,
Micah 6:8 and Colossians 3:23 to name a few) but here's what I've figured out
about life so far.
- God is everything. (That's why He calls himself, "I AM.")
- Everything happens for a reason.
- Begin every day and every task with mediation on God’s Word and prayer, and all will be well.
- Less is more.
- The secret of contentment: Focus on the positive... what you have instead of what you wish you had; where you are instead of where you wish you were; who you are instead of who you wish you were.
- Rejoice always! God loves you.
I feel like there should be 7, but I can't think of another one to put there. Maybe I will over the next 20 years. Or maybe one of you can add number 7!
And now, a few pictures…one from each of the phases of my
life thus far...
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| 1967 (I'm the one on Dad's lap.) |
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| 1995 |
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| 2011 |
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