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Hello Sixty



                             

Recently, I had one of those significant birthdays, another milestone, a wake-up moment that reminded me that I don't have forever left - at least not this side of heaven. I don't want to make too big a deal out of skipping from one decade to the next, but how did time pass so quickly? One minute, I am graduating from college, only to realize I now have four years left until retirement. In an instant, it seemed I had shifted from a new mother to a grandmother. Just yesterday, I was driving kids to the pool, hosting sleepovers, packing for camps, and shopping for school supplies. Still, nowadays, I rarely step foot in a pool or participate in any of those other activities. As I reflect on all these changes that came so slowly at the time yet now appear to have happened in a mere flash of light, I am tempted to make an argument for time travel. Not really, but things have changed - remarkably quickly.


I do not wish to return to any of the former. Instead, I look towards the future, resting assured that all those earlier experiences, some of which gave me my "crowning glory." aka gray hair, were necessary to prepare me for the next part of this journey. So right now, it's not about slowing things down, but rather a deep desire to know how to use the time at hand wisely to honor the Lord.  

Here are some things I have considered for this new season of life:



1. So, what if I have thirty-two years of experience in the classroom? I haven't arrived.

Never stop learning.


I instruct you in the way of wisdom

and lead you along straight paths.

Proverbs 4:11


2. Don't worry about my lack of navigational skills. Have a plan but be open to detours as the Lord leads.


In their hearts, humans plan their course, but the LORD establishes their steps.

Proverbs 16:9


3. Never forget how badly I need the patience of the Lord in my life. Extend the same to others.


Love is patient, and love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others; it is not self-seeking; it is not easily angered, and it keeps no record of wrongs.

1 Corinthians 13:4-5


4. Understand that all people, regardless of color, wealth, religious sect, educational status, or any other differences, are all the same at the foot of the cross - We all need Jesus.


The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead, He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish but everyone to come to repentance.

2nd Peter 3:9


Oh, dear friends... These thoughts are just a few that are on my mind regarding the need for His refinement in my life so that I may be useful for His service. Maybe the practice of the following sums it all up.


But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things, there is no law.

Galatians 5:22-23


Whatever season of life you are in, God is there, faithful to the end.

Stacia


Comments

  1. AnonymousJune 26, 2025 at 8:58 AM

    Thank you for these encouraging words, Stacia. I especially appreciate thought #2, have a plan but be open to the Lord’s detours. I’m praying about this one a lot these days! I also needed to be reminded of the Lord’s timing mentioned in #4 as I continually pray and trust Him to draw a couple of family members back into the Way. He doesn’t want them to perish and He will keep His promises-I need to trust and have faith He will do what He says.

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