We are all getting a little older. Another good friend of mine is retiring from the pastoral ministry this Sunday. At 63, I’ve experienced some of the challenges associated with aging. And because of chronic heart disease, my pill box looks like it belongs to someone twice my age.

The question is, as people who have a few decades under our belt, how do we keep life meaningful? How can we find a reason to get up in the morning?

Here’s some of the struggles I’ve experienced.

  1. I can get stuck in what I know, or in what I think I know. We get comfortable. Learning is hard. And sometimes learning leads us to uncomfortable places, making us question the value of what we’ve done in the past. I can think of sermons I would never preach again. And I don’t like that thought.
  2. I can look in the mirror and see a shell of my younger self. It’s very easy to think that my best years are behind me. I am as far as I’ll ever go in my career, in my family, in my looks, in my golf game, you-name-it… That’s depressing.
  3. I begin to count the things I’ve lost with ease and greater frequency. We measure our lives by what we had or what we could do. For me, I think of my old cars that gave me teenage freedom, my motorcycles that I can’t ride, and even people who have stepped out of my life in one way or another.
  4. I mourn the loss of options. Remember when you were young and you were told you could be anything? Then in your 20’s you realized that was a lie. You could only be what you’re good at. Then as you got older, doors started closing faster and faster. For me now, it’s pretty much pastor, school bus driver, or soon maybe Walmart greeter. Okay, I exaggerated a bit. But you know what I mean.
  5. For some crazy reason, I don’t bounce back like I used to. Sometimes small things become big things. Climbing a 20 foot ladder now scares me a bit. I know if I get hurt seriously, I’m not going to get healthy as quickly, or ever. This happens to us mentally, emotionally and spiritually too. Small things become big things. Our resiliency wanes.

Some of you can’t imagine these things coming into your lives. DON’T STOP READING! You may need this some time. Others of you say with a chuckle, “Oh, Jim, you’re a rookie.”

Wherever you are here are some things to consider if we have the desire to thrive past 55! These are ways we can intentionally challenge ourselves to keep moving forward with purpose.

1. Commit to being a Life-Long Learner.

    Challenge your mind. Read a book, listen to a podcast, or watch a YouTube video. Just make sure to weed out the kooks. You don’t need more conspiracy theories. We need to hear from people who know things we don’t know yet. Learn a new skill (paint, draw, photography), or a new language, or the process of enriching uranium. Read philosophy. Join a book club. Talk to an educator, or expert and ask questions. Open your Bible and write your own commentary.

    ““The heart of the discerning acquires knowledge; the ears of the wise see it out.” Prov. 18:15

    2. Develop a Generative Mindset.

      Erik Erikson defined generativity as a mindset that concerns itself with the future. And later in life it specifically refers to “a concern for the future, a need to nurture and guide younger people and contribute to the next generation.” In other words, we measure life by what we want to leave for the next generations. No longer are we concerned with our achievements. We want to give those after us what they need to succeed.

      In Joseph’s story, it was his father, Jacob giving the blessing to his grandsons. Genesis 48:15-16 “May the God before whom my fathers Abraham and Isaac walked… may he bless these boys… and may they increase on the earth.”

      We all have some blessings to leave behind. Some are in the form of prayers, some in the form of knowledge and wisdom, some in the form of resources. We have a unique opportunity to think forward in ways younger people don’t.

      3. Practice Gratitude and Appreciation.

        Spend time thanking. Thank people who care for you like doctors and nurses. Give thanks to God for each new sunrise. Appreciate the little things, like online shopping, or a kind word from the teller at the bank. With our many challenges, it’s too easy to take what we have for granted. If your kids do something for you, send them a text, or card of thank you. Practicing giving thanks builds our appreciation muscles. And soon, we see the many gifts God gives us.

        Start with the most simple thanks. Even if you’re alone, at your next meal bow your head, fold your hands and say thank you to the Lord.

        “Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.” James 1:17
        “Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” 1 Thess. 5:18

        4. Reframe Losses into Opportunities.

          We often frame things in terms of what we’ve lost. Rather, most apparent losses also come with opportunities. If you can’t be as busy, or you’re no longer building your career, you have more time. Maybe it’s time to make more phone calls to kids and grandkids, letting them know you’re praying for them. Maybe it’s time to build that prayer list and make it your daily practice to bring each item to the Lord. Maybe it’s time to take that young family out to lunch after church – offering them the love of a grandparent they don’t have access to. Maybe it’s time to share your skill, or passion with a teenager who feels alone and disconnected. If you have time, you might be the only one in someone else’s life who has time to listen. Here’s an encouragement, “Don’t start with your stories. Listen to theirs.”

          “Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God’s grace in its various forms.” 1 Peter 4:10

          5. Let God Restore Your Hope.

            Resiliency grows when we’re hopeful. If I can step into each day with the hope that no matter what, God has me, or that he has secured me for life with him, the potential dangers won’t control me. And the things that do happen to me, won’t shut down my desire to keep trying.

            Remember always that our hope is in Jesus. Our value for today and our security for the future don’t rest on our strength, or our achievements. Christ has won for us a place in the annals of eternity. Our hope is that no matter how small a gift we can offer to Christ, it matters to him, and he receives it with joy.

            “In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade – kept in heaven for you.” 1 Peter 1:3-4

            As you look in the mirror, you’re not a shell of your former self. You’re a new person today, with new opportunities to grow and give something to people around you, all while enjoying the goodness of God. I pray you can find some joy and meaning whatever life-stage you’re at. Just remember, God still has you here for a reason. Let’s find it!

            If you have something to add, please comment!