7 Things I’ve Learned in 70 Years

7 Things I’ve Learned in 70 Years

bursdagYes, you read it right! I turned 70 on the 17th of May this year. I can’t believe it either.

So what’s it all amounted to – besides 25,550 days of breathing?

I’ve been thinking about that a lot over the last few months as the day approached – and this is what I see; these seven things I know for sure.

  1. Chronological age doesn’t mean anything. As always, it’s the heart that counts most. I’ll admit 70 is a startling number, but I’m glad to be here. I’m a pilgrim on a journey and this is just another mile marker on the road. I’ll let you know when I get old.
  2. I can be at peace with how things are this minute. No exceptions. Getting here, to this understanding, goes down as one of my greatest achievements. I wince as I remember all those years I allowed circumstances to control my life. And people’s opinions and behaviors.
  3. Fixing my eyes on the prize – which for me is Jesus – allows me to run my race with endurance. I want to finish well so quitting is not an option. He will always provide a second wind (pneuma – breath, wind, spirit), but it’s my assignment to take hold of grace for the race. I’m in it for the long haul.
  4. I’m learning to lean into the discomfort. While I like lavender soap and 800 thread count sheets as much as you do, that isn’t my definition of comfort any more. I’ve met the God of All Comfort and He shows up in the nastiest places, like the night He met Mary in that stinking stable and told her He’d be with her on the journey to which she’d been called.
  5. The kingdom of God is here. Right here. Right now. And I can live in intimate fellowship and communion with the King and expect all the provisions of His royal realm to be present when I need them.
  6. God is good. That means if I get cancer, or my loved one dies, or the money runs out, God is still good, and worthy of all my extravagant praise. He is working things out in my behalf because I love and trust Him. And because He loves me. A lot!
  7. Following Jesus and not turning back is the adventure I’ve longed for all my life. Is life a puzzling, mysterious, paradoxical riddle? Yes, it is. But it’s also never predictable and boring.

I’m on a long journey home. There have been dragons to slay and I’ve been wounded in battle more times than I care to enumerate. But it’s all about bouncing back, isn’t it? Getting up again and doing the things that matter – taking care of the kids, fixing dinner, getting the report done, being faithful to our commitments.

It’s what makes us different, you and me.

No quitting.

 May we never tire of doing what is good and right before our Lord because in His season we shall bring in a great harvest if we can just persist. ~Galatians 6:9 The Voice

I am proud to be 70 and to love life. The difficulties fade in light of the great joy I’ve shared, the things I’ve seen God do in my life and in so many others, and the anticipation I have for what’s next. There’s no place I would rather be than here in His love, hanging out with you guys.

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Comments

  1. Wow! Awesome proclamation, beautiful truth. We are so blessed to have lived this long and arrive at a place where we are able to recognize who we are in Him and what we are capable of in Him. That is the gift of peace.

    Nice to have you on my side of the mountain sis! Love you.

  2. Wonderful .. lots of the same things I’ve learned! Love your writing, Cathee. Keep it up.

  3. I am lingering today so love reading your blog. Oh the places you’ve gone and the people you’ve seen as you breathe Jesus every step of the way. Thanks for reminding me that it is not our age ( you are so young yet) but our time we rejoice in the Lord that makes us young. Thanks for your beautifully written words of wisdom.

  4. Stay strong, Cat. You inspire me.

  5. Shelley Green

    You always succeed in bringing tears to my eyes. I love your peace,in life, with yourself, and in The Lord. Thank you for your wonderful prose. I think you might have another 30 or so years left in ya. I certainly am enjoying your journey.

  6. Cathee! I needed that word today! thank you for sharing your heart and mostly for just being real!

  7. Remember when we use to sing rounds together? Everyone singing the same song but starting at different times and it made a harmony. That’s what our lives are. We don’t all go through the same things at the same time, but together we are traveling this journey together. I’m a few years behind you, but at the same time, right with you! I’ve had some things that really threw me for a loop, but I parachuted to a soft landing with Jesus and moved on. Thankfully it isn’t about the number of years any more. That is a comfort to me now. I’m singing “rejoice in the Lord always and again I say rejoice”. I know you are singing with me. We use to sing “sweeter as the days go by” and never has it been truer than it is today. I love your words sweet friend! They encourage me so much.

  8. Cathee,
    I love that you wrote them down! I can’t imagine being on any other journey than with our God, even when it is hard – in fact, without Him, it is nothing short of miserable! One of my favorite reminders comes from Jude when he says, ‘ Keep yourself in God’s love….’ Thanks!!

  9. No one could speak it more eloquently than you my dear. 70 is what I now aspire to and hope I can do it justice like you have. Fondly remembering how we met and some of our great adventures shared in writing. I am not letting you go for another 70, we have SOOO much to do. Love you and keep inspiring us. That is what you do so well.

  10. Dear Cathee,

    I love the way you put everything into perspective. I am still struggling in the of the areas that you were talking about, but you have encouraged me to keep my eyes on Jesus, and to continue to run the race with endurance. Living your life for Jesus is what it’s all about and the only thing that really does matter in the end. Keep up the great writing my friend.

    • Life is really a joy when we find that rhythm. It’s worth the work it takes to get there. I love sharing anything that may help someone else find joy, peace, or a better way to live life. Don’t give up Sue. You’ll find your groove too.

  11. How absolutely beautiful! In 2012 I had my 60th birthday and for the first time I was at peace with the chronological part, only because I know there is still so much to do for Him and it gives me purpose instead of focusing on what I cannot do at this age. Right now I am working with some young women at a homeless shelter every week and I would love to share this with them. I know that your wisdom and insight have always spoken to me.

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