Living Older, Living Well
Life does not end at 50 years of age. It is an odd feeling when I am 61 years old and both my grandfathers died at 60 years old. They seemed so much older than I am now. Part of the feeling is that time goes by so fast. Another aspect of the situation is that we are living longer now. Medical care has improved, allowing us to live well into our retirement. Now, we require a new vision for the future as we age.
Shane Parrish, a contributor with CNBC, offered the story “The No. 1 key to a happier, longer life-that younger people don’t know, according to the oldest and ‘wisest’ Americans” to provide two lessons for older people as we age. The first lesson for a longer, happier life, according to Parrish, is the recognition that “Time is finite; don’t spend it regretting things.” Time goes so quickly when we obsess over regrets; we find our lives almost over, and we realize we regret more than we enjoyed. God does not desire regrets.
Next, Parrish confirms, “Happiness is a choice, not a condition.” None of us are brought into this world under perfect circumstances. I have yet to meet someone who had an ideal life in this imperfect world. Faith in God also requires, according to Parrish, “a choice, not a condition.” Our happiness requires an internal shift that can only happen through the strength and blessing of Almighty God. “Happiness is not a passive condition dependent on external events,” but something we intentionally work out in union with God.
God calls us to make a difference in this world. If you are under 50, trust me, life speeds up. You will want to make a lasting difference before you leave this world. You do so not by encouraging comfort but by making a difference in Christ’s name. Second, we must get on our knees and pray God will guide our lives to become so entwined with the Almighty that we become one. Then happiness can happen. Satisfaction is not about momentary bliss but fulfillment in a well-lived life. Our task is to prepare the building blocks for enjoyment based on God’s affirmation.