Greater Later

Tonight is the last night of my fifties. I still can’t believe it. I don’t say that because I feel young. Lord knows, between arthritis, my autoimmune disease, a fairly recent broken ankle and foot, and my new ridiculous ‘trigger thumb’ (what the heck?!), I’m definitely feeling my physical age! What makes it so hard to believe that I’ll be sixty tomorrow is merely knowing where I now fall on the life expectancy continuum. It seems impossible because there is still so much to do! And, yes, I’m blessed to be here. And, yes,  I know not many are afforded the years I’ve been able to enjoy thus far. And, yes, I know it is just a number…. Still…. I’ve been feeling the presence and pressure of “time” in a way I never have before with this milestone birthday. And, today, I’ve come to realize that, just maybe, that is actually a good thing.

I was listening to Hoda Kotb’s podcast on the way home from my parents’ house this afternoon. It was an episode where she was celebrating her turning 60. She shared the mantra of “greater later.”  She stole it from Bevy Smith, and now I’m stealing it from the two of them. I’m enjoying settling into that notion. — My life will be even greater later. I know this because I will be intentional to make it so.  I’ve decided. I’ll do the things. I’ll make the effort. I’ll continue to choose joy. (Incidentally, JOY just happens to be my 2025 Word of the Year.)

Only God knows the numbers of our days, and He has a plan for each of us. He has a plan for me. I’d say that becoming a little more laser focused on what that plan may be is a good thing. It’s healthy. And, after a month or so of feeling pressure about it, I’ve finally turned a corner. Now, I’m just feel motivated about it. Curious, open, and very willing to follow.

So, here’s to this new and wonderful decade! Here’s to living with intention and prayerfully asking God regularly, “What do you have for me today, Lord?” Here’s to listening to His answer and taking action. Here’s to being grateful for the first half of my life, and excited about the second half! (I’m optimistic; my great grandmother lived to be 102!) I don’t know if sixty is the new forty, but I do know that turning sixty doesn’t feel as heavy as it used to.  Life is good, and I am so very, very blessed. And the best part? I just know it’s going to be even greater later!