With a birthday on the horizon, I've been pondering over things I've learned this past year. I'm always so thankful to look back and see that learning is a continual process. But, it is always a choice to learn from situations and others. With that comes encouragement, expansion, humility and growth. So here are a handful of things that I have been learning (or re-learning). Maybe you have learned them too, or can be encouraged by the hope in them.
*There is nothing better than being married to your best friend. Brad compliments what I lack. He is the backbone of our home. He gives the best advice and he is an incredible listener and supporter. We met when we were in elementary school. Such grace has been injected into our marriage to grow us together and extend within it since way back then. And how blessed we have been.
*The greatest blessings come from stepping back and being an encouragement to others. Although our human nature wants to be front and center, the best seat is watching and joyfully applauding others.
*My kids have grown up fast like a garden. For years, I wondered what it would be like when we have 3 teenage boys and a pre-teen daughter. It is here and I'm looking all around waiting to wake up from this dream. But, it is really the greatest thing ever. The stage of life we are in is beautiful. Seeing these children become the people God has planted in them to be. So, I am thankful for the years behind and soaking in the present, praying that I will be blessed with much more.
*Being set out of something you love really stinks. A running injury can take a long time to heal. But, there is a whole lot to learn about yourself during that. *Doing something you are passionate about can easily become something you are self-absorbed with, and that isn't pretty to anyone. *Doing something you love for approval from people only goes so far. *Being impressive isn't impressive for long. *And achievements are only cool to other people for about 45 seconds. You have to do it for reasons deeper than that. **I want to always do whatever it is for my Savior...sometimes I fail, but then I try again.
*It's hard to see people you love suffer. Nothing is wasted though.
*Hanging out with people younger than you is a very good thing. Culture isn't so shocking, lines drawn aren't so black and white, and grace abounds all the more in change.
*Hanging out with people older than you is a very good thing. Seeing the spark of youth hidden in an aging body reminds us that time escapes us all. But witnessing the beauty and wisdom in age through a life lived well in Christ is worth watching.
Isaiah 46:4 "...even to your old age I am He, and to gray hairs I will carry you. I have made, and I will bear; I will carry and will save."
Our culture doesn't value age, but that can change with a single generation.
*Hanging out with people from a different culture is a very good thing. The world gets bigger. Your own problems get smaller. And you realize how very alike we all really are.
*Trying something new is at once humbling and exciting. Being mediocre is good because you pay attention and learn from everyone else.
*Your value has to come from what is deep inside you...even if a lot of people don't value it. My value is the fact that Jesus owns my heart. But sometimes I need to be reminded of that.
*True friendships have to be based on a love and respect for who each other is at the root. If it's only hinging on a common interest or a weekly meeting, it won't go far. But, pair that up with investing in each other's hearts and lives and embracing the good & not so good, then friendships are golden.
*There is a time to take yourself seriously and a time not to. There has to be equal balance. That is the hard part.
*Pride is a nasty thing.
*Love grows deep and wide. And the only way to make it grow deep and wide is to be diligent about pouring on the time.
*Simple is so freeing. Having less and needing even less makes a person so rich. But it takes a lot of focus to stayed tuned into that. This world screams "big", "more" and "never enough". It is a fight to be simple and stay there.
*Helping your kids make important decisions is more complicated than I thought.
*Social networking is both super fun and super discouraging. There are times I want to kick myself for ever getting started. But other times, I am really thankful for the tool of meeting and connecting with people I would have not had the chance to. Such a teeter totter, this is. I can't land on either side.
*It is really weird when your kids are taller, stronger, faster and smarter than you. (But I still know more about life.)
*Being thankful is way better than feeling sad. Smiling a lot helps too.
*Showing kindness to everyone you meet truly does make a difference. People realize you see them. Responding with care in every situation is a skill, but mastering it brings down walls. And it does make a difference even if you don't get to see it.
*Bravery and adventure are really good for the soul.
So there it is. Some things I've learned or got reminded of. Aging is pretty cool when you can see growth. Just don't get hung up on fighting getting older. It's not worth the time wasted. There is beauty in aging. Do the best you can, where you're at, and the beauty in that will be contagious. And smile!
I love this Sadie:)
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