This month I will turn 59. When I was 29 that sounded old to me. Now it sounds neither young nor old – just 59. A number. It’s amazing how much emphasis society puts on age. How we automatically assume certain things about a person depending on their age. How youth is good for some things like energy, health, and memory. And while old age is sometimes not so good for those things it is good for wisdom, patience and knowing that going there are so many things that are just not worth worrying about any more. This, for me, is the best part about getting older!
Live and learn they say. I could probably write a book about the things that I have learned over the years. Of course, I usually had to learn them the hard way – by making mistakes. But if I had not had those experiences, I would not be the person I am today – for better or for worse. So, if anyone can learn from someone else’s experience, here are a few of the things I have learned that I wish I had known at 29.
I have learned that resentment is not healthy and the longer that you hold on to a resentment the sicker you will get. God certainly got it right when he forgave us. Can you imagine all the resentments he would have had to live with? Forgiveness is the only way to peace with yourself. And remember, you have to live with yourself 24/7 so it is good to be at peace.
I have learned that going faster does not always get you places sooner. In a car for example, it could get you seriously injured or killed. I have learned that when disturbed or agitated, restraint of pen and tongue is the best way to go. Don’t make your point in anger. Wait to cool off and then address whatever needs to be addressed. Miraculously, I have found that many times after I have cooled off, there is nothing to address. Fancy that!
But the most important thing I have learned is that I would not have been able to learn anything without God in my life. He has patiently shown me the way through my mistakes and has put me back on the right path time and time again. I am pretty sure that I still have not learned everything I need to know. But I do know that God will be me every step of the way.