You are never too old to set another goal
or to dream a new dream.
~ C. S. Lewis
My mother was fond of quoting trite axioms. One of which was, There is a fine line between being 'too young to know' and 'old enough to know better.'
In other words, the young are ignorant and not as knowledgeable as they think. But ignorance is also bliss... a luxury old age cannot claim.
She also said Age creeps up on you. We say 'I'll do it someday' until we realize there aren't enough somedays to do it all.
I think she was urging me to stop putting off until tomorrow what I can do today. Once we reach a certain age, our physical and mental health deteriorates. There comes a time when we are truly incompacitated.
But one quote I never heard her utter, which I believe is more powerful than either of the above is: Do not regret growing older. It is a privilege denied to many.
While it is true that physical limitations that come with age can determine what we can and cannot accomplish, there is far too much emphasis placed on what we've lost rather than blessings gained.
Yes, I may have missed a few opportunities, and the aches and pains increase with each passing year, but... I have three wonderful children that I've seen mature in responsible healthy adults. They are starting families of their own and I have been here for the birth of two grandchildren. Those "accomplishments" should not be taken for granted.
One of her favorite sayings I heard countless times while navigating adolescence was Honey, the world is your oyster.
I never really understood that one, but I think it meant... the world is waiting for you. Go out and do what you want to do -- become yourself.
In my 20s I told myself I was too young or too inexperienced to set certain goals. I needed to wait.
In my 30s and 40s I said I was too busy with family life to pursue personal aspirations.
In my 50s I claimed to be too old to go after new dreams.
In all honesty, however, age is an excuse - and a flimsy one at that.
If we have a new dream - a heart's desire - a calling at any age - we need to honor it. I need to stop trusting so much in myself and instead trust in the one who gave me that vision.
In other words, the young are ignorant and not as knowledgeable as they think. But ignorance is also bliss... a luxury old age cannot claim.
She also said Age creeps up on you. We say 'I'll do it someday' until we realize there aren't enough somedays to do it all.
I think she was urging me to stop putting off until tomorrow what I can do today. Once we reach a certain age, our physical and mental health deteriorates. There comes a time when we are truly incompacitated.
But one quote I never heard her utter, which I believe is more powerful than either of the above is: Do not regret growing older. It is a privilege denied to many.
While it is true that physical limitations that come with age can determine what we can and cannot accomplish, there is far too much emphasis placed on what we've lost rather than blessings gained.
Yes, I may have missed a few opportunities, and the aches and pains increase with each passing year, but... I have three wonderful children that I've seen mature in responsible healthy adults. They are starting families of their own and I have been here for the birth of two grandchildren. Those "accomplishments" should not be taken for granted.
One of her favorite sayings I heard countless times while navigating adolescence was Honey, the world is your oyster.
I never really understood that one, but I think it meant... the world is waiting for you. Go out and do what you want to do -- become yourself.
In my 20s I told myself I was too young or too inexperienced to set certain goals. I needed to wait.
In my 30s and 40s I said I was too busy with family life to pursue personal aspirations.
In my 50s I claimed to be too old to go after new dreams.
In all honesty, however, age is an excuse - and a flimsy one at that.
If we have a new dream - a heart's desire - a calling at any age - we need to honor it. I need to stop trusting so much in myself and instead trust in the one who gave me that vision.
Then I said, "Ah, Lord God. Behold, I do not know how to speak.
For I am only a youth.
But the Lord said to me, "Do not say 'I am only a youth';
for to all to whom I send you, you shall go.
And whatever I command you, you shall speak.
Do not be afraid of them, for I am with you to deliver you
declares the Lord."
Jeremiah 1:6-8 (ESV)
C.S. Lewis and Jeremiah had the right idea and I agree with you.
ReplyDeleteTheir reputation is pretty stellar :) I hope to take their advice to heart in 2018
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