Day at the Races: The Far Turn! — Wednesday
Jeremiah 29:10-11
…I’ll show up and take care of you as I promised… I know what I’m doing… (MSG)
We’ve been talking this week about navigating the feelings and experiences that come with midlife, like fatigue, discontentment, disappointment, sadness, regret, and faltering health. Today, let’s discuss a few others, beginning with financial stress. Midlife expenses often include college tuition, bigger mortgages, higher taxes, retirement planning, and aging parents. In the words of Solomon, “[Our] days of labor are filled with pain and grief; even at night [our] minds cannot rest. It is all meaningless” (Ecclesiastes 2:22-23, NLT). Ever feel that way?
Isolation can be an issue in the middle years, too, especially for men. We’re supposed to “be strong,” which some of us interpret as, “Don’t cry, don’t admit your pain, weaknesses, or talk about your feelings and fears.” Thus we isolate ourselves, clam up, drop out of groups, or make excuses not to join one.
Then there’s guilt. We look back at what we did, or didn’t do, and feel ashamed. Shame is guilt’s twin sister; it sucks the life out of our soul.
Then there’s legalism. As we age, we tend to become more closed-minded and less open-minded. We get crotchety and cranky. We spout off viewpoints and opinions without much grace. We believe our opinions ought to matter just because we’ve lived longer than many others. Is that you?
Hey, let’s get on the solution side of things. First, we must pursue love, the kind the Greeks called “agape.” It’s a deep, decisive love, an act of the will, unhindered by wavering emotions or changing times. It’s solid and dependable and requires listening, serving, and caring for others.
We should pursue peace, too. Paul said, “As much as it depends on you, live at peace with others.” Friend, that’s a choice, not a feeling. It necessitates humbling ourselves, confessing our failures, and forgiving lavishly. It’s extending grace even and especially when it’s least deserved.
Wednesday’s Reflection
Maybe today, it’s time to reevaluate your priorities. What really matters? What really counts? Despite the chaos of midlife, it can be an excellent time to restructure our thoughts and goals. Today, why not make a list of life’s most important things, followed by a decision to relentlessly pursue them for the rest of your life. I did that 30 years ago. It’s among the best decisions I ever made. If not now, when? If not you, who?
