Standing on the sidelines…
Are you ready to jump in, or wish you were somewhere else?
Do you want to join the activity…
Or do you wish you had an easy way to escape?
The more I’ve been involved in life’s choices,
The easier it is for me to utter a more common phrase.
Thanks, but no. Not this time. Even saying, “It’s not for me.”
Doing so saves all of us hurt feelings and makes room for someone else.
We rushed into adulthood, thinking about our freedom.
Then, the responsibilities rushed in, and we yearned for younger years.
But reality says you’ve made your bed, so lie in it…
Yes. I’m older, aging, slowing down, and thinking differently.
Some of life we will never change.
Years take their toll, and we accept the inevitable.
At the same time, I look forward to fielding less of life,
And enjoying a quieter pace. Aha. The retired life!
Several things are noteworthy as I follow others who have gone before.
- You need to be wise with your money because it quits growing on trees when you are eighty-and-four. (It sounds like lyrics from a Beatles song, right? Yep. Your aging!)
- Watch your health consistently. Little problems in your younger years can be monumental in a slowing-down time.
- Your friendship list changes with time, and today, you are learning how to say goodbye more frequently.
- It’s easier to be grouchy and blame your aging world. Watch out! You are closing doors on those there to help you…family, too!
- That pile of stuff you call memories will weigh you down. You didn’t realize it when you were younger. That accumulation was your perceived wealth.
- As a pandemic survivor, dismissing the experience or hiding behind the words is easy. But you are accountable for your actions, which often speak louder than words.
- Never forget the value of generosity. It’s not just a financial thing; it’s also time and instruction. Jesus taught about the giving spirit often.
My list can be rather lengthy and tedious, but is there anything else you would add to it?
Brethren, if a man is overtaken in any trespass,
you who are spiritual restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness,
considering yourself lest you also be tempted.
Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.
For if anyone thinks himself to be something,
when he is nothing, he deceives himself.
But let each one examine his own work,
and then he will have rejoicing in himself alone, and not in another.
For each one shall bear his own load.
Let him who is taught the word share in all good things with him who teaches.
Do not be deceived, God is not mocked;
for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap.
For he who sows to his flesh will of the flesh reap corruption,
but he who sows to the Spirit will of the Spirit reap everlasting life.
And let us not grow weary while doing good,
for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart.
Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all,
especially to those who are of the household of faith.
(Galatians 6:1-10 NKJV)
Thank you for reading.
Please share with others.
It helps me get my book written!