The Best Is Yet To Be

The best is yet to be. Do you believe that? This question is especially relevant if you're in the midlife season. Are the best years over and somehow you missed it? It may feel like it if you're living life through the rear view mirror. What if you were told that being 50, 60 or 70+ were the years of greatest influence—that no other time holds the highest potential for having a multi-generational impact. This is exactly the situation you are in! While physical strength may be declining, spiritual maturity, wisdom and life lessons learned are on the increase. These are important to pass on to the next generation and to those in your sphere of influence. Here are 5 suggestions for making your later years your best years:

1. Stop looking back in the rear view mirror. Look ahead to years of influence that God will show you how to maximize. "Now that I am old and gray...let me proclaim your power to this new generation, your mighty miracles to all who come after me" (Ps. 71:18 NASB).
2. Make peace with your regrets and disappointments. Give yourself permission to have made mistakes in your life, marriage and parenting. Receive God's forgiveness. Then seek forgiveness from any others who may have been hurt. After that, live gratefully as a recipient of His mercy. "For You, O Lord, are good and ready to forgive, and abundant in lovingkindness to all who call upon You" (Ps. 86:5).
3. Think differently about your future. Expand your thinking about the significance of your later years. "...He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus" (Phil. 1:6).
4. Seek to influence those whom God puts in your path. It might be a kind word or action expressed from a heart full of His love. Or it could be something larger. He will show you want needs to be done. Keep your eyes open! "For I was hungry, and you fed me. I was thirsty, and you gave me a drink. I was a stranger, and you invited me into your home. I was naked, and you gave me clothing. I was sick, and you cared for me. I was in prison, and you visited me" (Matt. 25:35-36 NLT).
5. Enjoy the experience of having a multi-generational impact. You will be pleasantly surprised by how positively the younger generation will respond to your interest in them. Don't hold back from taking steps of faith to speak powerful words of encouragement to your children, grandchildren and others who intersect your life. Watch God show up as you speak His heart to them. "Like apples of gold in settings of silver is a work spoken in right circumstances..." (Prov. 25:11 NASB).

I've written a book called, The Best Is Yet to Be--Moving Mountains in Midlife, that talks a lot more about this idea of expanded influence in our midlife and later years. It is available online and through Christian retailers if you are interested. God is waiting to surprise you about all the things He has planned for you to accomplish in the years ahead. Many lives will be impacted for Him because of the caring influence of your life. I hope you agree with me that the best is yet to be!