Into the Fire

I could only write this if I had passed through it. Hindsight is the only vision bringing clarity to a phase, a fad, an increment of time in personal history. The lessons learned often come only because of the failures in the midst of an attempt, a position, a plan, or a vision, leaving us to try to discover if there could’ve been something done differently. Most of the time it isn’t the mechanics that should’ve been changed, it’s the mentality.

Clearly we accept how much we change between the ages of 6 and 16. Then again we note the marked difference between 16 and just 5 years later at 21. But by the time we pass the 3-0 mark, we consider ourselves a “real” adult. Grown up. Taking on those life responsibilities such as (for many) raising children (plural), settling into the field of our probable careers, making some heavy duty decisions in the home and at work. Entrenched in the world of credit, mortgage, two cars, home-school or public school decisions . . .

Please take this as simple advice, fair warning, something to ponder as you pass through a section of your life which will one day be almost as dubious to your thoughts and memories as the days of old (i.e. 16 and 21).

Being 30+ presents you with your last opportunity to be self-centered, self-focused, self-absorbed, and self-ish. It’s your last chance to be immature. For you guys, it’s the last time testosterone will rule and reign in so many areas. Thirty something is the final session with high energy to pull off the ultra passionate ideas you have for finding and mastering success. And you will see a marked decline post 30 for major frustrations which in the big picture amount to minimal stumbling blocks.

Because at 40+ no one will tolerate your “self” indulgence—including yourself. You’ll recognize the immaturity factor in those coming up behind you, and you’ll wonder if you were like them, knowing you were. You’ll find the lower level testosterone decisions carry a might more wisdom, but not as much gusto. And you’ll keep up a pace that is more steady and less frenetic, eliminating those things which aren’t proven and productive. The frustrations give way to a level head applying mental weights and measures that give more value to reason than emotion. And, yeah, you’ll miss some of it for sure, but you’ll also realize you’re a better person for leaving the years behind and gaining from their experience since there is no substitute or detour for getting where you now are.

The fun part of it all is you never have to lose the vitality of the 30s in your mind even when the years themselves are long gone. The spirit of those years can live on even when the body can’t keep up. So, really, you won’t be losing much, and the wisdom you’ll gain is worth the price you have to pay for it.

The beauty of it is if you have the privilege, honor, and joy of redemption, the Lord will lead you through the maze. He will usher you into each new adventure, and never abandon you on the journey. He will insure that you learn and gain wisdom if you make every effort to be obedient to Him. He’s more creative than we are, more industrious, and always willing to rescue us when we get into ourselves too deeply. And in every new year He gives us, He’s there with new mercy, new strength, new hope, and His ever present trustworthy plans for our lives. So, enjoy them while they last. He wouldn’t have it any other way.

God, you are the One we rely on for our growth, our plans, our successes. Help us to follow you because every time we set out to go ahead of you, we fail. We need you, Lord. Be close, Jesus. Holy Spirit, let us have ears to hear. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.