The A,B,C’s of Getting Older, Even If You’re Technically Young

Today is my birthday, December 10^th.  I actually know several people who have the same date as mine. Of course there are probably thousands, (millions?), of others out there in the world someplace.

But birthdates, especially how many someone my age has celebrated, while only a date on the calendar, seem to bring more reflection later in life. And that’s a good thing if we use those thoughts as inspiration, encouragement, thankfulness and a prompting to wisely use the remaining years we have.

You see, age isn’t how old you are or will be as much as how much time you have left. No, I don’t want to be morbid about it, but we simply don’t know how long we’ll have in this life, so it’s not a bad idea to periodically examine how we’re managing, enhancing and enjoying this amazing existence.

It’s miraculous, really. While we know today like never before the physical details of conception and birth, how it all happens is still incredible. None of us had anything to do with our joining this world nor do we remember it. We were just here.

We may disagree on the details of how and when people began on this earth, a merely evolutionary view simply isn’t enough without a supernatural, God component in the mix. As one woman recently said in so many words, evolution simply doesn’t have enough in it to cover her love for her new baby.

So, having over seven decades to reflect on, I thought on my birthday I’d share a few A,B,Cs that might encourage you, no matter your age, to focus on the main things, actions, thinking and habits that can help you get the most out of your years, even if you’re like me and see many of those years in your rearview mirror.

A – Stay amazed about your simply being here, the miracle of life and what a privilege it is to have life.

B -  Remember every day then how blessed you are to get each day, to live 24 hours longer and to enjoy so many things right around you that perhaps others don’t have or even know about.

C -  Connect with people more than things, savor the interactions you get with your family, accepting the relationships that have ended or never been meaningful and staying focused on the ones you still enjoy.

D – Go deeper into your relationships, heritage, serving and don’t merely stay on the surface or settle for what everyone is doing.

E – Enjoy the special moments now more than leaving them for someday.

F -  Find purpose in every stage of life. Even in the hard times, we can learn, do good, relish the opportunities and still plan for the future. God has given each of us a reason for being here, so don’t wait for someday to count and matter. Psalm 57:2

G – Do good no matter what. Jesus was described as having gone around doing good.

H – Honor and thank the special people in your life. Say what needs to be said now.

I  -  Invite correction, wisdom and knowledge into your life. Connect often with wise, sage-like people who you learn from all the time.  Proverbs 1:5

J  -  Jump at the chance to serve others more than take from them. Become a sucker for seeing people smile, cry and be blessed because of even a small thing we did for them.

K – Be kind, too, even to those you disagree with.  Ephesians 4:32

L  - Love radically, be intentional, make time for those you love most. Don’t fudge.

M –Make moments, times you and those you care about will never forget. Surprises, trips, just being there, notes, be creative.

N – Never say never. Believe that God can do the impossible, the unheard of in your life. It may take time, but don’t give up on Him. Philippians 4:13

O -  Open your home to people. Yes, it’s your sanctuary, but keep it a safe place and haven for comfort, care and rest for others when needed.

P  -  Pray often, as a conversation with God, not a ritual. Include again those you love who are close to you, don’t assume they don’t need it. I Thessalonians 4:17

Q -  Quit doing what everyone else is doing when it’s just stealing your time, other priorities and resources. Galatians

R -  Rest well. This isn’t just for old people. We all need to refuel, stop and think, pray, recharge. Doing more isn’t necessarily better, in fact, it rarely is.

S – Say what you need to say now. Words are powerful.  Proverbs18:13

T – Travel while you can, not later when you have more time and money. See some of this incredible world while you’re still able to enjoy it.

U – Commit to understanding more than debating. Listen more than talking.

V -  Visit the people who you’ve valued over the years. Many of them think no one cares anymore.

W -  Live your life as a long walk, one step at a time, a life-long journey in becoming who God meant you to be and what he knew you could do.  I John 3:2-3

X -  Save so you’ll have X-tra when it’s needed. That’s wise.

Y  -  Yield everything to God. It’s his. Our kids, our resources, our relationships, yes, especially our existence.

Z -  Embrace Zeal. Do everything like there’s no tomorrow.