Change isn’t always easy, but sometimes it’s necessary to get your life moving in a new direction, especially with aging.
Getting older puts a lot of things in perspective. You can’t have a life do-over, but you can start right where you are today to do things differently and try something new.
You can still change a mindset and an attitude and challenge yourself to create many positive changes that can renew your years.
Is that something you desire but don’t know where to start? It’s what I want for my life, and I think you do too. You want this life to count and believe change is possible. The thing about aging is that it can keep you stuck. Let’s get out of doing the same old thing and step out into new freedoms. You have nothing to lose.
Ready to get to it and make some life changes to embrace more confidence, more fun, and more deep joy? Let’s start.
I love what God’s Word says about aging.
“They will still bear fruit in old age; they will still stay fresh and green.” Psalm 91:14
This promise says that God sees me as continually growing despite my age. No number says you stop growing and are incapable of making a difference. Staying fresh and green means you are still flourishing, and that should fire you up to go after things that have been simmering for that “someday.” Today is your someday. You can start right where you are. It doesn’t have to be a big step. Your little is more than enough for God to work with.
Let’s go a little deeper and see what this looks like in real life.
Here’s a list to think about and pray about to get you started for your fruit-bearing life of change.
Cultivate what is important in your life. Cultivate is to give something some tender loving care. Some targeted attention. What is important to you? Where do you want to make a change? In your relationships with those closest to you? In the world for a particular cause? Maybe it’s a more committed prayer life. Maybe it’s getting healthier. Decide on 1 or 2 things and the steps you can take to start those changes. Little by little, you can begin, and change will come.
Examine your heart’s attitudes. Are you judgemental or have a critical attitude? Selfish with your things or your time? Ask God to reveal it to you. He will change your heart in the process because he knows you desire to grow in these areas. Old habits and attitudes can be hard to break, but it’s possible when the desire is there and God is with you every step of the way.
Become an encourager. There is always someone who needs a kind word: your kids, your husband, 
boyfriend, the cashier at the store. People are going through hard stuff and are keeping it inside. You might be the one to let a little light break through their day. Let your words matter.
Get healthy in areas of your life where you need more discipline. When you feel healthy, it can give you the energy to do those things you keep putting off. Cut back on sugar, and eat healthier. Your body is a gift. Nurture it, and be kind to yourself. If you failed today, it’s ok. Start again tomorrow. Baby steps are better than no steps.
Growth is possible!
Continue to learn and grow. It’s so easy to coast along as you get older. Wake up your brain and get excited about something new again! Take an online course on something you are interested in.
Volunteer your time for a worthy cause. Read more books and start listening to podcasts. Refuse to stop learning and growing. Take back control over your life and use your God-given gifts to make a difference. Make some new brain cells in the process!
Change spiritually
Pray with freedom. “Call to me, and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know.” Jeremiah 33:3 Are you praying? I mean, really praying. Are you searching God out and laying it ALL before Him? All your worries, dreams, hopes, fears, questions? If not, have the freedom to start. He will meet you right where you are. Pray out loud, write it out, shout it out. Just talk. Whatever you need to do. Expect God to be faithful because He will be. Tell Him you want to know Him more, to see more of Him in your life. God will answer you and show you incredible things about Himself and put new passions and hopes in your heart when you seek out His will for your life.
Setbacks
Sometimes life puts a pause on things. Life as you know it comes to a screeching halt, and the focus changes. If that’s you, take the time you need to heal, to rest, and let God be a Father to you. When life detours, it can take you down a dark road. God will walk with you, or carry you the way to wellness and restoration and give you a renewed hope for your future. Flourishing and growing will be yours again.
Getting older can be a time you can do those things that you have put off. To put yourself out there and try something new. It can be scary sometimes, but I think it’s totally worth it. It can jumpstart new passions and motivate you to take out those hidden dreams in your heart and do something about them.
Don’t just exist, letting one day roll into another. Life is too short and too precious! You have too many special qualities to let them remain hidden. Don’t know where to start? Start with a prayer asking God to do something new IN you and THROUGH you. You might be surprised by the things He puts in your heart!
Embrace aging with all the possibilities that are before you to make a difference. In your family, and in the world. Don’t stop growing. Truly the best is yet to come.
Until next time,
~pat
