The 20-35 year olds have been expressing a sincere interest in learning from those with more experience. My intent yesterday was to ask you more seasoned readers (those over 40) to share some valuable life lessons.
Were my questions unclear? Or, are we older readers not as willing to share what God has so kindly revealed to us along the way? Perhaps the lack of any response the past 30 hours is the loudest response of all.
There are surely some thoughts still out there. We again invite you seasoned readers to share insight on some of the burning questions of today’s younger generations. Questions such as:
- If you had to live life over what would you do differently?
- What issues in life have you learned really matter and why?
- What deep-seated values have you reconsidered and why?
- How do you ensure you’re on the right path as you grow and develop your thinking?
Yes, they want to learn from us, but they do learn in very different ways. Lex, a lady in her early 20’s, shares this bit of thought-provoking advice:
“We want wisdom. We want to know how to weather the storms and how to interpret the things that life throws at us. But we’re not stupid either. You can tell me you’ve learned there’s a connection between how you dress and what’s in your heart. But, then let me figure it out; don’t hand me a uniform.”
haha…you know senility is setting in, so maybe you did confuse us!
I’ve been sidelined with a ministry situation, so haven’t pondered the questions lately. I’ll be back when I can think straight! So maybe that’s my first piece of advice to the younger crowd: the older you get and the more you see, the more you realize that life hurts us all one way or another. Caring for each other in community is the ONLY way to healing.
I’ll check back in after this triage…
OK, I’ll step in the water here.
If I had to do it over again what would I do differently?
I would more consistently cherish my wife. I would live more in the moment. I would more quickly celebrate the little victories of my family, others, and my own. I would be less critical. I would take more time off and more time for my friends.
I would trust in God’s providence and live with less fear of the future and others. I would strive to handle failure with more grace allowing me to better multiply the talents God’s given me.
I would diligently follow my passions. I would ensure whatever team I was working with was aligned around the same goals and values. Life is too short to play out of position or waste energy debating what we should do and how we should do it.
Here’s another step:
What issues in life really matter?
Here’s my list in order:
First - To love God with all your heart…in all your ways acknowledge Him
Second - To cherish your spouse and then your family
Third - Love others, be kind, gentle, don’t seek your own, forgive others and yourself.
Fourth - To keep your heart with diligence, out of it are the issues of life.
Fifth - Ensure a good name, its more important than great riches.
Sixth - Be humble, curious, seek a multitude of counselors, and you’ll be safe
Seventh - Be courageous enough to discover and follow your passions.
Eighth - If you have no vision you will perish.
Ninth - Be diligent in all you do and you will stand before kings
Tenth - Grasp God’s love…failure is never fatal (and success is never final).
Eleventh - Mentor you children to think critically versus follow quietly
Twelfth - By their mid-teens, ensure your kids know their strengths and have a clear life vision built around them.
Thank you, Ed. Your last comment with the list is God-ordained and just what I needed to hear tonight. Thank you.
Ed, thanks for sharing…Matt and I feel like we have no clue what we are doing at times in this life. It gives us courage to look ahead and see people like you who are ahead in the journey and are running well! Your list was so good to read and think about. Also, it’s convicting to read your list of things you would do differently. thanks.
Marla,
You’ve added so much here I’m grateful I could give something back. Thanks for the encouragement!
Rebeka,
Again you warm my heart and encourage my walk. Thanks
Be easy on yourself. Many of us 50 year olds feel we don’t have a clue either. You’re more on track than you know! Humility is a wonderful thing.