The Final Category
“But those who trust in the Lord will find new strength. They will soar high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint.” (Isaiah 40:31, NLT)
Just recently while visiting friends in Texas, I attended a church near Tyler. After being greeted quite warmly, I was asked to fill out a guest card and place it into the offering plate. As I wrote down all my pertinent information, my eyes settled on the age boxes—Under 12, 12-17, 18-29, 30-44, and 45-over.
No way! I am actually in the final age category? The oldest group! The end of the line! How did this happen? WHEN did this happen?
So many questions, and apparently, so little time left to ponder them. I had a hard time focusing on what the minister shared after realizing I had now been defined as…old. (Insert huge lump in my throat.)
I guess I knew I was “over 45” but I hadn’t realized it until that moment. Know what I mean? Seeing it in black and white made that fact much more real for me. At first, the truth literally took my breath away. But after the initial shock wore off, I had clarity. I had a moment. You know, one of those moments that you’ll remember the rest of your life.
So many questions, and apparently, so little time left to ponder them.
In that moment, my heart cried out to the Lord, “God, don’t let me waste any of the years I have left on this earth. Help me to live them with direction—divine direction—purpose and passion. Help me, Lord, to fulfill every plan you have for my life. And, Father, help me to be grateful and joyful as we take this journey together. I give my fears to You, Lord, and trade them in for new fire, increased energy, and a love for life that I’ve never had before. Thank You, God, for this wakeup call today.”
You see, I thought my trip to Texas was to meet with clients, learn from amazing writers in my new non-fiction tribe, take promotional shots for my upcoming “Dinosaur Devotions” book, help lead a Serious Writer Tour Stop, and spend time with some of my favorite, lifelong friends. And it was…it was all those things, but it was so much more. It was a chance to reconnect with myself and recommit my life to the plans God has waiting for me.
Today, as I write this blog, I’m still over 45. I didn’t wake up age 30 again, but you know what? I don’t even desire that anymore. Sure, I’ll still be using anti-aging skincare (the best I can afford) and drinking lots of water and fewer Polar Pops, and working out as often as my schedule allows, but I’ve realized the most important part of “growing old gracefully” is knowing who you are and WHOSE you are. Waking up every day with a heart full of thankfulness and an excitement that God isn’t through with me yet.
If you haven’t had that “a-ha moment” yet, I pray you’ll experience that moment with the Master today. Let Him love on you and give you direction. No matter how old you are, what you’ve been through, or what you’re going through right now, God has a plan, a purpose, and a perfect peace just waiting for you to unwrap. It’s not too late, and you’re not too old. God’s timing is always perfect, and this is His time. This is His time to work through you to accomplish great and mighty things!
So, be excited! God isn’t through with us yet, and His Word says He will renew our strength. We will run and not grow weary! So, lace up those Nikes! Run your race! I’ll run mine, and we’ll finish strong together.
God isn't through with me yet! #faithingod #runtherace #INwritergirl
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