by Barbara Latta
Each birthday cake we cut boasts an additional candle that wasn’t stuck in the icing the year before.
Time passes and we may start to re-evaluate our lives.
Questions rise in our minds, “What have I done with all these years?”
“I’m too old now to start anything new.”
We can fall into the trap of thinking our lives have no
purpose any longer.
Regret about not completing goals from the past may bombard
our minds and make us feel worthless.
But this is not God’s plan. He wants us to live a limitless life as we grow older.
It’s easy to view younger people and see all their successes
and wish we had been that productive at the same age. Comparison and condemnation
are our enemy.
Our remedy to is to
recognize these thoughts as lies and instead turn to the truth which is in
scripture.
Who satisfies your mouth with
good things, so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s. (Psalm 103:5)
Successes after 50
We can be inspired from these examples of people who did not let their age define them. They lived without limits.
Harlan Sanders, better known as Colonel Sanders, started
his chicken business at the age of 65. A few years later he was the owner
of one of the largest restaurant chains in the world.
Peter Roget, creator of Roget’s Thesaurus, completed his
work at 73. Not only did he keep working, he used what some would determine
as a liability to bring his creation to fulfillment.
He suffered from obsessive compulsive disorder and could
only find peace from making lists. His collection of synonyms for words became
his invention showing us we can make positive use of personality traits we
normally view as negative.
Julia Child didn’t write her first cookbook until the age
of 50.
Harry Bernstein, author of The Invisible Wall: A Love Story That Broke Barriers, had his first
manuscript accepted at the age of 96 after numerous rejections throughout the
years.
John Quincy Adams, at age 74, argued before the Supreme Court, the case for the Africans aboard the Amistad. He protested that he was too old when abolitionists asked him to defend the slaves, yet he won the case.
Moses, Caleb, and Abraham all accomplished great feats in
their advanced age.
Simeon and Anna in their older years were blessed to
witness the Messiah when Mary and Joseph brought him to the temple.
The Apostle John continued to worship God and pray despite his imprisonment on Patmos. He didn’t give in
to his age or loneliness and God chose him to record future events for all
generations to read. John’s life still had a purpose while exiled and in his
nineties.
Our life has value until we breathe our last breath. God
doesn’t get finished with us because we pass a certain number on the birthday
chart.
Flourish in the Word
God says we are blessed when we delight in his law, and
we will bring forth fruit and our leaf will not wither (Psalm 1:2-3).
While we do whatever we can to keep the outside looking
young, we need to remember that the inside is reflected to the outer person.
Seeing a wrinkle or gray hair isn’t fun for anybody, but if we see ourselves
the way God sees us, those things won’t be devastating to our emotions.
We are just starting out on our journey of life. No matter
what the calendar says about us now; in the light of eternity, we are all
babies.
Confession to remember: Whenever I look at myself and feel old, I will remember God’s promise that I will flourish, bear fruit, and be fresh. I will continue to dream.
What scriptures can you share that will help us live a limitless life? Share your thoughts.
How to live without limitations as we grow older. (click to tweet)
The secret, I think, is continuing to learn, explore, and grow in our faith. Am learning that I can't stop the ravages of time on my body. Oh, I can slow them down by exercising and eating better, but I remind myself of two things each morning. As I creak and groan while I try to "loosen things up", I thank God He has blessed me with one more day and I tell myself that He isn't done with me yet, I've got more to do. It may take me a bit longer to get things done, but God isn't interested in quantity as much as He is in obedience. God's blessings sweet lady. And remember, "It's better to be over the hill than under it." :-)
ReplyDeleteYou are right, J.D. We should never stop exploring the limitless power and love of our Savior. And I understand about creaking and groaning! We are blessed with every day God gives us. He has a purpose for us being here and we should glorify Him in everything we do. Thanks for sharing. Blessings!
DeleteWhat an inspiring and refreshing message, Barbara! I love your suggestion that we are "limitless" and not over-the-hill as the years add up. Thank you for providing inspiring examples of those who made worthy contributions to the lives of others. Your message is a wonderful reminder that God has a plan for us to serve Him, no matter our age.
ReplyDeleteI need these reminders constantly, Katherine, as the age creeps up. It is so easy to look behind us in disappointment or look ahead and wonder if we still have any usefulness left. God is our dream maker and He puts those aspirations in our souls because He wants us to continue to pursue them. Thanks for sharing. Blessings!
DeleteBarbara, what an uplifting article filled with truth. Thank you for reminding us to fight against negative thoughts: "But this is not God’s plan. He wants us to live a limitless life as we grow older." I think of John 10:10 where Jesus says, "I came that they may have life and have it abundantly" (ESV). He didn't rescind His purpose when we started aging. Let's live life to the fullest and enjoy His blessings as we continue to serve others. Thanks so much for this post.
ReplyDeleteJeannie, thanks for reminding us of John 10:10. Jesus did mean for that to apply to all our lives not just in our youth. Thanks for sharing. Blessings!
Deletea very encouraging post, Barbara! As we get older we can fall prey to discouragement and thoughts that we can no longer contribute, but it's no so!
ReplyDeleteYes, Kathy, we do need to guard against those thoughts that rob us of our purpose. We can continue to contribute throughout our lives Thanks for sharing. Blessings!
DeleteBarbara, years ago when I was much younger, I remember meeting elderly people who were serving God wholeheartedly on the mission field rather than enjoying a cushy retirement. Through them God showed me there is eternal purpose and calling for every season of life. These folks are heroes of the faith and I hope to follow in their footsteps.
ReplyDeleteAnnie, those folks really are the heroes of faith and leave us a legacy to follow. What a blessed life to continue to serve God on the mission field no matter the age. Thanks for sharing. Blessings!
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