Twenty years helps the maturity process and I'm certain in 20 more I'll laugh at how mature I feel I’ve become over the last 20. But, the last 20 have included much of what has made me who I am today. Those first 18 years were a lot of trial and error, goofing off, and just learning to turn the stove on. I think my parents did a pretty good job and I’m thankful for the values they tried to teach me (even when I tried to avoid learning them). The last 20 have included things that have made me who I am today (in no particular order) like college, living wills, career changes and callings, seminary, motherhood, marriage, miscarriage, stroke, brain surgery, cancer, finish lines, and much more.
I realize there is still much to experience in life (I hope there is, anyway) but I crammed a lot into the last 20 years and I'm thrilled to be in a place of learning from those experiences. Being in the middle of the last 20 has stunk at times (if I'm being honest). Recently, (well, I wrote this more "recently" than it was posted!) I returned to my home state for time with old friends at our 20 year high school reunion. Some of those friends I've not seen in 20 years. Most of them have way better memories than I do and some of them have a lot less hair (which I was not the first to point out, Jason!). Everyone came with questions and stories but no one came with drama. My long-time friend, Doug, pointed this out. Actually, it turns out Doug and I got married in Kindergarten and I'd forgotten all about it. My husband took the news really well though. Anyway, that was the most dramatic it got. Wow, I made mistakes. Wow, I was not always wise or truthful. This fact was pointed out to me by a sweet friend whose boyfriend I am told I tried to steal during a week at band camp. I didn't remember that one either (brain surgery is my forever excuse of all things forgotten). So, I'm sorry Kimberly! And, honestly, the time went too fast to hear many of those stories I have forgotten from my past. So, I write this to remember and encourage. If you're 18 and reading this, you may think I’m elderly. But, it wasn't that long ago. Cherish these last 18 and embrace the next 20. If your path includes even half as many turns as mine has, you are in for a ride of a lifetime! If you’re 38 or older and reading this, what do you take from the last 20 (or 40 or 60) and how has it made you who you are today? My friend Brandon said something that rang true as he welcomed us to dinner at the reunion. He said, “Wow, look at us all grown up. I just want to say in advance that we're past our childish ways and I apologize if I hurt any of you 20 years ago. I didn't know how to treat myself, let alone the rest of you. We're adults now, let's have some fun.” And, we did. As I move into the next phase of life, I must admit that I like life without all the drama of those early days growing up (when I made some not always wise choices). I like honesty and respect. I like people who are authentic and real. I am far from perfect, but I hope I can be authentic and real for those in my life. The journey doesn’t have time for anything less than real. Life is too short; I’ve learned that more than once. A trip to Philadelphia would be incomplete without a trip to Independence Mall and the site of the Liberty Bell. One of my favorite images at the monument was this image of “Liberty” being spelled in many different languages at the site of the bell. It stood out to me the moment I saw it and warmed me with a sense of inclusiveness for all of God's people. Interestingly enough, at least one of my classmates was being moved by a very different image at the same time. There are some moments after you share a time such as this trip that you just don’t forget. One of those moments was when one of my classmates, Jessie, shared in her sermon about seeing the photo of the Native American, Chief Little Bear, posing with the famous bell. She was overcome with emotion when reflecting upon the sadness of Chief Little Bear’s face. Jessie’s sermon that day was on “Scriptural Christianity”, a sermon written by John Wesley that was quite controversial at the time. Overall the message of the sermon was brought home by my new friend's emotional response to seeing the image below at the site of the Liberty Bell. It brings to the fronts of our minds that freedom in our country and freedom in this life is not free. Christ gave his life for us so that we may have eternal life (John 3:16). We are sadly reminded by this image and the sadness of this Native American’s face that freedom is far from being free both in this life and in the life to come. You know that sweet spot? We’ve had one at some point or another…
- The perfect bite from a wonderfully delicious meal. - Crossing the finish line before the fatigue settles in. - Waking up just happy to put your feet on the floor and face another day with a positive attitude. - Holding that sweet baby you’ve waited nine months to meet. - Taking the last exam and facing a summer of fun. There may be a number of times in your life where you’ve felt like you were in a sweet spot. Or, you may feel like they are few and far between. But, something big has settled over me recently. I think we’re scared of our sweet spots. I know I have been in the past. However, I am ready to embrace that feeling of settling into my sweet spot! Life is not perfect. But, when we do find a sweet spot, what are we so afraid of? Most of the time, I’m afraid it’s going to end. So, I don’t want to get my hopes too high and then just be disappointed. How could we dare think that God didn’t design us to delight in the Creator and in the place we were put? I really believe that when our minds, bodies, spirits and relationships find harmony then we will find our sweet spot. Without harmony among the aspects of our true self, we are only fighting with ourselves to be who we are really designed to be. So, be yourself! Join in union with God and who you were designed to be…embrace your sweet spots in life and I bet that this world won’t be able to hold you back! |
Whitney R. SimpsonClick to connect: Categories
All
Content @ 2010-2023
Whitney R. Simpson Exploring Peace Ministries, LLC |