A few weeks ago, I had a milestone birthday. Normally, age is just a number to me; I didn’t sweat turning 30, 40, or even 50. But this one – 60 – it hit me harder than I expected. People always say, “You don’t look your age!” and that’s great. And, physically, I’m able to do the things I love; I go to the gym, I hike, walk; although menopause belly has a fierce hold on me! Losing weight at this point of life seems harder than winning the lottery. But it’s not like I “feel” what I think 60 should feel like.
What took my breath away a few times is the realization that I am on the downside of this gift of life. Now, none of us know how many days we have on this earth; but most of us assume we’ll make it to a certain age. And I realize that my time with the people I love is limited. My days to experience new things, make a difference, learn and grow are fewer than before. And emotionally, that hit me harder than I expected.
It has caused me to enter a season of reflection. A “taking stock” journey of what is important to me. How and where I want to live out this next chapter of my life. There is so much change in our family as our daughter graduates college in a month and will start graduate school in the fall. Moving her one step closer to being on her own and building the amazing life God has planned for her. So, my life continues to evolve into something I don’t yet have a handle on. And for a Type A control freak, it’s a bit unsettling.
But if I’ve learned anything over these decades, it is that I am not God. And I don’t need to be. He will reveal to me the next steps I should take. What He requires of me is stillness. Attentiveness. Humility. Obedience. And the toughest one of all, trust. To wake up each day less worried about to do lists and plans and more on moments listening to and talking with Him.
And one of the areas with which I’ve been considering is this blog. I can hardly believe it has been three years since I took a leap of faith and created Simply J.O.Y. It has been such a privilege and blessing to write and share with each of you. You’ve made time to read what God has placed on my heart; you’ve prayed with me. You are part of the fabric of my life, and I am so very grateful.
But as I reflect, I feel a need to step back. To take time away from this weekly endeavor and determine if this is still part of God’s plan for me. I will never stop writing; it’s in my DNA. God has been tugging at my heart to write something different; maybe a devotional. Maybe something more. But currently, it’s just a tug. So, I’m praying into it. And I’d ask for your prayers as well that God would show me His plan.
I will post a blog when I feel led, and I hope you’ll stick around for whatever the future holds. So many of you encouraged me when I didn’t think I could do this. And my heart is fuller and my life richer because of your support.
I’m going to try to post more on my Facebook page (Simply J.O.Y.) during this time of reflection. I hope you’ll follow me there. And I hope you’ll visit Simplyjoy.online and reread previous posts. God’s words are always relevant.
My mom’s favorite verse was Isaiah 41:10: “Do not fear for I am with you. Do Not be afraid for I am your God. I will strengthen you and keep you. I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”
I’m going to embrace that verse as I enter my 60th year, trust God to strengthen me and keep me. And to show me His plan; guiding me with his righteous right hand.
I love you all! I pray God’s immense blessings on you as your draw closer to Him.
This week’s prayer can be found at https://simplyjoy.online/uncategorized/im-listening/