I think I’ve been living in a bubble.
One that was popped when I was recently described by two words…
Middle-aged.
What?? Me??
Yes, that’s right. Someone labeled me as a “middle-aged” woman. I’ve never thought of myself as such, and it’s the first time I’ve heard this word and my name in the same sentence. Together. It was not music to my ears.
I mean, sure, my children are now adults. Yes, I have a few of those shiny strands of gray popping through. Yes, I have more “laugh lines” with each passing year. The evidence is there, but in my mind, I’m not middle-aged.
But, the definition from dictionary.com says I am…
middle-aged :: being of the age intermediate between youth and old age, roughly between 45 and 65.
(I’d like to mention I’m on the younger side of this category, however.)
How did this happen? I don’t feel middle-aged. I feel healthy and strong. I feel young. I keep a positive perspective. I stay physically active. Goodness, I’ve bicycled across the state of Iowa twice at ages 45 and 46, and plan to do it again this year.
But I cannot deny what my birth certificate says. I guess that person was correct. I am middle-aged.
I’m thankful age is just a number.
Not that being middle-aged is a horrible thing. It was just something I wasn’t personally mindful of (or ready for).
Bubbles in our lives have a way of doing that. They have a tendency to block reality. When we’re living in one, life is predictable. Life feels safe(r). Life is not always as it seems.
It’s good to bust out of our bubbles… or have them popped by another. Doing so brings reality back in focus, and helps us see real life clearer.
It has done that for me, as I’ve become aware of three realities in this process:
1 – Half of my life on this earth could be over. What impact will I have in the days that remain?
2 – I’m going to leave this earth some day. Am I ready?
3 – What I do here matters in eternity. Am I living for this world or the next?
Please know I’m not looking at these realities with “doom and gloom,” but with hopeful expectation, with faith-filled motivation, and with peaceful anticipation.
I want to make the most of the life I’m given.
Not necessarily for this life, but for the next… for eternity.
Without any sort of bubbles.
So watch your step. Use your head. Make the most of every chance you get. These are desperate times! Ephesians 5:15-16 MSG
Friend, are there any bubbles that need to be broken in your life? Is there anything standing between you and the real life that’s yours to live? Let’s bust out of these bubbles together.
It’s okay I’m “middle-aged.” While I’m still here, God still has more for me to do, and more life for me to live. I plan to make the most of each moment I’m given.
Join me, won’t you?
Blessings,
Julie
What fun it is to join up with Suzie Eller for #livefreeThursday. You’ll be blessed and encouraged by stopping over there to visit! It’s a great day to #livefree!
Oh Julie, Julie you cannot possibly be middle aged because that means I am old! Like you I feel youthful, active (that might be why I though I could man handle a 44 lb. bag of dog food into the house) Let me live in my bubble a little longer, please??
You are not old, Wendy! By no means. Age is only a number. Hope you are healing more each day!
Yes, age is only a number and our euphemisms only make it worse . . . technically, I’m “middle aged” but only if I live to be 106. Let’s live each day as we would wish that we had if it were to be our last!
Thanks for these encouraging words!
Yes, Michele! Living each day as if it was our last. You’ve blessed me, friend. Thank you!
This is a great reminder for me to bust the bubble of “labels”. I fall into this same category as you but if I let it dictate my thoughts or actions…I’m in trouble! Thank you for this challenge to bust bubbles! #livefreethursday
Amen, Kellie! Thankful we can get rid of labels of all kinds and live in victory! Thanks for stopping by.
Agreeing with you today Julie, and committing to making the most of the time we’ve been given. Middle-aged girls unite! (Heehee.)
Whoo hoo, Kristine! Middle-aged girls unite! Love it. You completely made my day!
I am very glad that I attended Salem, 9 MH and met you. You write a very interesting article. You are happily married and that is as it should be. I, too, was happily married for 54 years, plus. The empty nest is very hard for a man to face, probably as well for a woman. My wife’s hospice nurse has been a huge help. The first time she visited me after Marilyn’s death I was accused of inviting women in even though M. had not been gone a month. She is happily married with 3 grown sons, an adopted child like our son, and just fun to be around,. She is also younger than my children. Such is life. Keep up the good work.
Thank you, Richard! It was good to meet you! I wish I could have met Marilyn. She sounds like a very special woman. God knows our hearts, and we can praise Him for that. Hope to see you again soon! God bless you.
I always remember my grandma telling me she still felt young on the inside and now I know exactly what she means! Young or old we all need your wisdom that what we do here matters in eternity! Thanks for a great post Julie! Cindy
Hi Cindy! I know what your grandma meant now too. So thankful age is only a number! Thanks for being here, friend!
You are absolutely beautiful, inspiring, and incredible!!! Rock it, girl! #livefreeThursday
Thanks, Crystal! You’re a doll! Have a great, blessing-filled day!
It kind of sneaks up on us doesn’t it Julie. I’m so thankful age is just a number and I’m able to live for eternity. Making the most of every chance I’m given. Great post! #livefree
Yes, Laura! So glad we have eternity set in our hearts. I appreciate your presence and your words here. Blessings to you!
Oh friend! I can relate! I remember in Turkey when people started calling me “Aunt” Betsy (a term of respect for older women). Now here young twenty-somethings refer to me as Mrs. Cruz! At least here in Texas, it is a bubble-burster! But I’m with you, let’s get past the number and get on with living for Christ! 🙂
Amen, Betsy. I’m glad we can “get past the number and get on with living for Christ” together. Many blessings to you!
Right there in the middle with ya, friend! Guess it would be hard to figure the middle of eternity, so I think we’re good! You inspire me to be physically fit and I have a long way to go.
Love your “middle of eternity” words, Doris. That really made me stop to think! Thank you! I’m thankful for you today.
What a great reminder, Julie to “make the most of the life I’m given.” I have a family member who wants to walk away from the life he’s been given … and it breaks my heart. He has a wife and three blessings and doesn’t see the gifts he has. I pray I see the blessings from God in the life He’s given me. : )
Amen, Crystal. I’m praying the same. My heart breaks for your family member. Praying for his heart to be softened, and his eyes to be opened today. Thank you for hosting us each #IntentionalTuesday!