Pointers on how to navigate through this life.

 

A Sixty-Year-Old’s Perspective.

As we become older it’s easier to look at life and what we have learned because we look in retrospection to it.

Maybe, if I had this information when life was still winking brightly to me, I could have made better choices. So, my hope is, though you might not understand all that I am writing now that you will tuck it away somewhere in your cupboard to revisit. Making sure you are on the right track.

Pointers on how to navigate through this life.

Whatever life may bring you; it will be good to keep these markers as signposts close by.

Because my favourite medium of communication is writing I have done so and trust that it will bring clarity into your own life.

Writing has been a cornerstone of our culture since the Stone Age, when early humans inscribed pictures on rocks using ink made from plants, blood, and mud.

Writers are a big part of our everyday life. The written word, whether in news articles, motivational pieces, or fiction, leaves a lasting imprint. It expresses thoughts, emotions, truths, and falsehoods. It can be offensive or revolutionary, beautiful or ugly. Words can elevate or diminish us, yet their thread consistently draws us towards authenticity.

The Bible exemplifies the written literature. When you read the New Testament, you see that the manner of communication was always letters. Paul wrote to his spiritual sons, giving them explicit instructions on how to live and walk in their faith.

The moment words are written, it’s binding. In Nebuchadnezzar’s time, it was a degree that couldn’t be changed. People who tried were killed.

We can dissect the meaning of the Words. We can decipher the writer’s thinking, and the era reflected in the writing. It is a source of reflection and deeper understanding and has tremendous value for the next generation. Therefore, libraries were built throughout history to contain its wisdom, and bookshops still have a place in society no matter the boom in web serving. We long to connect on a deeper level to understand ourselves and the world God has given us.

The four gospels narrated Jesus’s life through the eyes of his disciples. People we trust because they have walked alongside Jesus, therefore, are expert witnesses.

The books of Moses were a testimony of God’s faithfulness and his development as a leader. We gain insight from this patriarch’s life. These books are accounts of Israel and their journey through the desert, serving as a symbolic reminder of why it’s essential to obey God’s commands. What we read in there remains relevant today.

Internet’s vast book collection notwithstanding, another book proves essential. Each person’s viewpoint holds equal significance to those of Mark, Matthew, Luke, and John. Each piece adds another layer of wisdom and understanding into the deeper things of God and our race.

Why this piece, you wonder?

December is my birth month, but what makes 2024’s birthday special is that I will celebrate my 60th birthday.

60. Yep, it’s unbelievable, right?

When I was ten, 60 was ancient. It was my grandmother's age, and I could not phantom the number nor the age dynamic. At 20, I believed 60 was a long way off. There was no need to think of it. When I was 30, 60 became into my scope but it didn’t bother me. I still had plenty of time to accomplish my dreams. Turning 40 gave me some insight, but by then, my path was established, and reversing the course felt impossible. So why bother, right?

I think 50 was a wakeup call, and clarity dawned on me when I had a reality check. But by then, my resources were limited, and time had turned into an adversary. With no second changes, I had to fight to stand on my feet and get to grips that time was turning against me. Therefore, I should use each minute wisely.

And now I am at that stage. The grandmother-stage. I have two beautiful grandsons with the world before them. They think as I once did, even if they don’t say it. Now, it is my responsibility to document the lessons I’ve learned for them to read and hopefully act upon before it’s too late.

For several days, I reflected on these lessons and realized how often I’ve gone in circles, reaching the same outcome during my course. We must break the circle if we want to have better results.

So, here are a few things that stood out for me.

• God is the Source; the rest is only a resource.
• God’s Word takes president over humanistic philosophy.
• Don’t interpret the Bible willy-nilly and follow ignorant people. Truly understand it by studying it. Allow the Holy Spirit to guide you.
• Trust the Holy Spirit and guard your heart.
• Take the time to know God. Get the culture right from the beginning and teach your children.
• Don’t open doors to any kind of sin. Sin is a momentary excuse to change your path wrapped in a red bow. Overcome every evil with the Written Word. If you see something is wrong, act on it, immediately.
• Never be afraid to speak the truth. However, always speak in love. If you don’t know how, read the Bible.
• Remember, unfairness is a humanistic word. God is supreme, therefore trust Him alone.
• Likewise, entitlement is an abomination before God. Work for what you want. Press in and never stop. Even when you are as old as father time, press in.
• Be vigilant. The devourer will try to trip you, but God’s Word will show the way. Never be afraid of God’s blacksmith, he’s only purpose is to test you. The test is not your destination, the winning line is.
• Don’t ask, “Why me?” Rather ask, “What must I learn from this?” And move on.
• Don’t open a door to poverty, it will lead to ruin.
• Don’t indulge in debauchery of any kind. It will damage you and your children.
• If you don’t change your trajectory, you will not change your future.
• Don’t believe a half truth. It’s a lie. No matter how good the reason may be, it remains a lie.
• Righteousness is more valuable than anything else.
• Never throw your pearls before the swine. They will devour it, trample over you and roll in the mud with it. It’s their nature.
• Don’t count your eggs before they hatch.
• Trust is the only commodity you have. Use it wisely, even if you must walk alone.
• Save. The moment you receive your first pay, begin to save. Don’t wait until you make “enough” before you begin. You will never have “enough” so begin small. You will thank yourself later.
• Learn. Use every opportunity to learn and study. Never wait or use tiredness as an excuse. Never use busyness as a way of stalling. Begin.
• Follow your dreams, no matter the obstacle.
• Enjoy each moment. Live in the present.
• Love with your whole heart.
• Be respectful… even those you think don’t deserve it. You are not better than them.
• “What if” or “but” has no value, dismiss it. It’s like cotton candy: very sweet, yet it doesn’t satisfy your inner being. Only God can fill the void.
• Be passionate about life. Happiness is not in a bottle or pill. Never trust it. It will rob you of valuable time and resources.
• Stay on course. Allow God to remain at the steering wheel.
• Never despise small beginnings.
• Time is a commodity that must be spend wisely.
• Pick your battles.

Things to walk away from:

• If something sounds too good to be true, it is.
• Don’t trust the wrong people. When they show you their true colours, trust them. They know themselves better than you do.
• If someone tells you they love you, but show something different…
• If someone doesn’t value you, walk away. Whether it’s a spouse or friend.
• Never pact with wolves. They are only out for themselves.
• Don’t mingle with dogs; they always return to vomit or dig out dead bones; reminding you of past failures.
• Beware of the harlot on the street corner. She is deceptive and cunning and will influence you to turn away from righteousness.
• Respect and trust are expensive, don’t sell it for a momentary solution.

Practical things with value: Good habits is the foundation of your existence, stick with them.

·         Make up your bed, every day. Even if you have a maid, tidy it yourself. Clean your own mess.

·         Take a bath/shower every day.

·         Comb/wash your hair often.

·         Dress neatly. Iron your clothes, clean your shoes. No one will wonder what the label was, but they will remember your neatness.

·         Keep your car clean.

·         Put on a smile.

·         Be punctual.

·         Be consistent.

·         Be respectful. Whether it is the cleaning lady or the president.

·         Read – a lot.

Pointers on how to navigate through this life. by Lynelle Clark