By Lois Hewitt

Getting older..it’s not so bad.  Here are a few things I have finally learned…

I always hated that I wasn’t as cool (whatever that really means) as everyone else I met.  Now I’m cool even if I’m the only one who thinks it.

I always felt guilty and that I was lazy because I would rather just stay home. Now I know that being home, making food and taking care of my husband and myself is an honorable calling.

I used to constantly seek approval.  I’m embarrassed at how needy I was. My list now is very short of those I need approval from.  If I am doing God’s will, no other approval is necessary.

I used to wish I could say “No”, but I felt guilty. I still get a twinge of doubt when I say no, but as long as I understand my reasonings, I can freely say that word now.

I wanted everyone who ever came in contact with me to like me.  It took a while but I have learned that is not going to happen. As long as I’m not liked because of my stands in life, I am good with their displeasure.

I used to think a big house, a nice car, clothes and things were the key to happiness. So very wrong was i, now I feel extreme gratitude for what I have and that makes it always more than enough.

I used to let life run over me.  I was always out of control. I never knew who I would be when I woke up. My emotions were all over the place. I listened to the world as to what it thought I needed to be happy.  Those things made me miserable.

My life is much different now. Not perfect as neither am I. Changing the focus off of me, placing it on God and letting go, has provided a peace I never imagined.

Letting go of societal ideals has allowed me to reevaluate my entire existence.  My priorities were incorrect and I was drowning in them.

What is my point?  Life would have been much easier and a lot less messy if I had learned these lessons before, but it didn’t happen. And forgiving the past is a huge game changer. But once your focus changes from that of the world to a life lived by the grace of God, along with His mercy, peace will overtake you and you will wonder why it took so long to see.

A saner and less dramatic life is achievable. My lessons may not be your lessons but being open to a personal relationship with Jesus, can bring about a world you never imagined.

I’m still new to the journey. I never had any peace in my life. I think I was born with anxiety. I wanted to just die many times. Jesus saw me in my need and lifted me up from that relentless world of anger, guilt and love of sin.  He lifted me up and dusted me off. Now we walk hand in hand through a life that is very difficult to maneuver.

So if you get tired of hearing this, I understand. But Jesus completely changed me and the life I was living. I would never want to go back.  My point is that if you are desperate for a change. It can happen. I’m nobody, but He saved me. He can save you too!  In fact, He is looking forward to meeting you no matter where you are.