Are there things you want to do before it’s too late?
The clock is ticking! I was getting ready for church yesterday, and I went to brush my teeth. I wondered why my electric toothbrush wasn’t working properly. Well, I forgot to take the cap off before I put the toothpaste on, and when I turned it on, it was very ineffectual. Calling myself seven kinds of stupid and wondering if I was having a senior moment, I realized time is not waiting for me to make up my mind on what I want to do next in my life. Rethinking the things I want to accomplish in my life while my brain is working at least 60% of its capacity. I am also wondering what I am waiting for, someone else’s approval?
So, as those of you who follow my blog know, I went paintballing this fall. No broken bones, sprained anything, no embarrassing moments, only fun. That gave me a false sense of ability, thinking if that didn’t kill me I could survive ice skating. In my younger days, Ice skating was like riding a bike, once you learn, you don’t forget. Of course from the inside looking out you are still 18, but the mirror and the scales tell a different story. This month one of my granddaughters turned 16, and had an ice skating party at the rink in Valparaiso. Several girls couldn’t come, and their spots were already paid for, I volunteered to take one of the spots. I probably haven’t put on skates for over 20 years. I must have lost my mind, skating in public for the first time, long ago enough to be called a decade. It must have been another senior moment! Well, fate intervened and the two youngest grandkids needed to be helped to skate for the first time with little helper props. I took one child and never let go of that prop, happily helping my grandchild experience the joy of ice skating, without their grandmother making a spectacle of herself. Truth be told, ice skating did come right back to me, and I enjoyed the thrill of sailing over the ice at breakneck speed, (without falling and embarrassing myself or my family).
So what is next on my bucket list? I don’t know, but I do know I don’t intend to let fear rob me of any enjoyment I will miss out on by hanging back. Granted, we old people tend to break when we fall, but that could happen in a bathtub, so why not at least have a good story to go along with healing!
Bucket lists don’t have to include dangerous or hazardous activities. What if your bucket list included writing a song, or a short story, painting a picture, or take up a musical instrument? How about going on a mission trip or just jotting down antidotes about the family to pass down to your children? Life doesn’t end until you take your last breath, so if you don’t have a bucket list, make one. It doesn’t matter what age you are, just make a list and then start checking them off one at a time, always adding a new one at the bottom! Make one for Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter! Live life to the fullest each and every day! BE BRAVE! EXPLORE! EXPERIENCE! ENJOY LIFE!
As parents we should never tell our children they cannot accomplish something. Don’t be a dream wrecker, but an all-around encourager! Teach your children that God did not give them a spirit of fear, but of power, love and a sound mind! They can do all things through Christ. Teach by example, what fear is holding you back from enjoying life?
We as authors had to overcome our fear of failure to put a pencil to paper on our first time out of the box. We found that through perseverance and determination we could do anything, even if we never get any recognition for it! Our sense of accomplishment is our own reward! WE DID IT! And we will do it again!
Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the LORD thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest.
Joshua 1:9
Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.
Proverbs 3:5-6
Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink; nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on. Is not the life more than meat, and the body than raiment?
Matthew 6:25
For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.
II Timothy 1:7
I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.
Philippians 4:13