SENIORitas, have been there and done that. We have experienced life’s joys, sorrows, challenges and absolutely get it, “…there is nothing new under the sun,” says Ecclesiastes 1:9. Our family traditions fill our calendars and we look forward to the familiar. With an eye toward legacy we encourage (sometimes not so gently) our children and grandchildren to walk in our footsteps.
Not! While some of this is true, an “authentic” SENIORita is actively pursuing God’s purpose and living a life of significance. Passion; that’s what I’m talking about. A SENIORita is passionate about all living things and recognizes it’s not over until it’s over.
Let’s consider the words by Pastor Phil: “I’m not retired. I’m re-FIREd!”
A New Set of Eyes
If you are thinking—2018 — another year of the same ol’ same ol’, then I invite you to consider a fresh new mindset. What if you were to embrace life as an adventure? Adventure for me represents the unexpected. It can be as simple as meeting a new friend for coffee or as intricate as a cross-country trip in our motor home. What if you were to look for the miraculous in everyday living—people, places, things? What if you approached life with eyes of wonder—with a teachable spirit, expecting the joy of fresh new life lessons?
Thursday Afternoons with Mima
My grandchildren are a fresh source of the unexpected. Thursday afternoons with Mima began with Adam 10 years ago. We would plan adventures together—chasing butterflies, playing bouncy ball, stuffing French fries in his Fisher Price farm house. “Let’s go to the bridge Mima,” Adam would say as he looked forward to riding his tricycle there. This small bridge overlooking a small creek was wide enough for two vehicles and the length of a truck. Insignificant for most adults, but to Adam it represented adventure.
Sammi came along two years later and this little girl added a fresh new perspective. Talk about passion! This child took enthusiasm to a whole new level. I was now witness to big brother paying-it-forward, teaching Sammi how we did things. Sammi, a future SENIORita with her own ideas, soon began to teach us how we “should” be doing things.
My Brand-New Leaf Blower
“What do you want for Christmas this year?” my husband asked. I asked for a battery-operated leaf blower. What? After years of training him to buy me personal gifts and not appliances, he hesitated. I smiled and imagines him thinking “This is a trap. I’ll disappoint her if I buy this.” My son was brave enough to buy it for me. What fun! I’ve used leaf blowers before—gas-operated and electric—but this one, well it brings me joy. I have two acres of leaves to play with!
In His Service
Learn from Mary, the mother of Jesus. Her life story was never about her; it pointed to Jesus. Her mission was to witness the glory of the Son of God from his birth until his last breath. A willing servant, she trusted God and obeyed His call. What would it look like if we allowed God to work through us? If suddenly our joys came from observing the miraculous in our everyday lives? A new beginning, starting over, reinventing yourself, a life makeover… call it what you choose, we are meant to live a life of purpose. As I often say, “Someone is waiting for you to show up in the fullness of your calling.” To do this we must be curious, expectant, child-like, adventurous, creative and most of all prayerful.
What is God saying to you about 2018? How will your actions affect the people, the landscape of your life? Who needs for you to pay-it-forward—sharing wisdom, lessons learned? Go! Go be about the Father’s business. Ask Him to take you to your bridge.
Repeat after me: “Call to Me, and I will answer you, and show you great and mighty things, which you do not know.” —Jeremiah 33:3 NKJV
Maggie Sabatier-Smith
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