As you age, you begin to see many things clearer. The things that once meant so much to you don't seem as important anymore.
When we are young, we are obsessed with trends and headlines; however, once we grow older, we begin to understand that these things don't matter as much. Perhaps this is something you have seen in your own life: you used to be obsessed with your appearance, but now you have chosen to embrace who you are without make-up. Getting older helps you to focus on the things that really matter, not the superficial.
As you continue to age, you will see things even clearer. Rather than being weighed down with the worries of the world, you will be at peace. Because of your trust in Christ, you will have confidence to face the day (Philippians 4:13). Continue to cultivate this confidence and walk in the freedom of the Lord (Galatians 5:1).
Here are 7 truths that become clear with age.
1. Time is of the Essence
The Apostle Paul tells us, “Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil” (Ephesians 5:15-16). As you grow older, you realize that Paul’s words are correct: you must be wise with the time you have been given. No one is promised forever, which is why you must make the most of every opportunity. God has unique purposes for your life – purposes that only you can fulfill.
There is no time to waste! With the time you have, dedicate your life to serving the Lord, growing in Him, and pursuing your own dreams. There will come a time when you will leave this world and you will cross over to Heaven. Until this time, continue to make the most of every opportunity and glorify the Lord in Heaven.
2. People’s Opinion of You Doesn't Matter as Much
When you were younger, you may have placed an unhealthy amount of importance on what others said about you. However, as you have grown older, you have realized other people’s opinions of you don't really matter. The only opinion that matters is God’s opinion, and He says you are fearfully and wonderfully made (Psalm 139:13-14). The Bible also says you are God’s masterpiece (Ephesians 2:10).
Once you start focusing on what God says rather than the world, your self-view and self-confidence will soar. You may have already seen this to be true in your own life. Continue to focus on what God says about you and leave other people’s opinion of you in the rearview.
3. Your Well-being is More Important than a Health Trend
You have seen it before: “7 Days of Workouts to Get Abs for the Summer.” As you have grown older, it has become clear that weight loss trends are lies. You have removed yourself from the diet scene and you are more focused with your overall well-being rather than losing weight or looking a certain way. This is a gift of aging because you finally have the freedom to be yourself and let your body simply exist without wanting to change it.
Health trends will come and go, but true well-being will endure for your life. If you have not focused on your well-being in awhile, try to take some time this week to engage in health-promoting behaviors. This is different from weight loss tactics; instead, it is doing things that help you feel healthy in mind, body, soul, and spirit. An example could be eating a home cooked meal rather than going through a drive thru, taking a walk instead of scrolling on social media, or reading the Bible instead of reading the latest gossip online.
4. True Friends Will Stay with You
The Bible tells us that real friends stick closer than brothers (Proverbs 18:24). You may have already experienced your fair share of fake friends over the course of your life. As you have grown older, it has become clear to you that your real friends will stay by your side. They are the ones who support you and come to your side when you are in need.
Don't waste your time with fake friends; invest in time with your true friends. Hang out with them this weekend or plan a trip together. Real friends are harder to find than a needle in a haystack; therefore, cultivate your friendships and continue to be a good friend to them. True friends will stay with you through the highs and the lows.
5. The Importance of Self-Compassion
Everyone needs to learn self-compassion, but few learn it until their latter years. Maybe you have noticed you extend more grace to yourself as you have grown older. This is because you recognize the importance of self-compassion. It is much more beneficial to build yourself up rather than tearing yourself down.
6. Letting Go of Perfectionism
Perhaps you struggled with perfectionism over the course of your life, but it is now clear that perfectionism never served you. Instead, it only impaired your walk with Jesus, your relationship with others, and your self-view. As you have grown older, you have let go of perfectionism and it has been freeing. Keep up the good work; your mind and body thank you.
7. God is Faithful
The Bible tells us, “Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness” (Lamentations 3:22-23). With age, it has become clearer that God is faithful. Even when you have doubted Him, He always stays loyal to you. Continue to cultivate your walk with Him and find joy in following Him.
Regardless of what you face in life, God will be faithful. He will never leave you, nor forsake you (Hebrews 13:5-6). He will faithfully walk beside you and give you strength. Lean into His love and embrace the process of aging; it is a gift to age gracefully.
A few truths that become clearer with age is that you realize time is of the essence, other people’s opinions of you don't matter as much, your well-being is more important than a health trend, true friends will stay with you, the importance of extending self-compassion, the need to let go of perfectionism, and the overarching truth that God is faithful.
