With Age Comes Wisdom…

As I enter the “Winter of My Life” this coming Wednesday (I turn the big 6-0!), I find myself grasping not for the riches of this world, but the riches of the world beyond; a treasure that seems to elude the young – Wisdom!

With age comes Wisdom.   -Oscar Wilde

Now that I am getting older, I can look back on my life and state unequivocally that there is truth to this statement. When I was young, I made lots of mistakes. Yet, somehow, God always redirected me back onto the straight and narrow path. For example, during my college years, I didn’t always go to Mass EVERY Sunday. There were weeks/months, when I drifted away. However, God had plans for me; “Plans for my welfare, not for woe! Plans to give me a future full of hope” (Jer. 29:11). He introduced me to a wonderful young man, who would become my husband. Our Saturday night dates started with attendance at Mass. Love got me back onto the straight and narrow path, and God is Love.

As I reached middle age I began to question my purpose for existence. I started to pay closer attention to the plan God had in mind for me. I sought understanding and direction for my life. As a result, I gained confidence in God’s plan for me. Twenty years ago, that confidence resulted in my husband and I taking a “leap of faith” by moving from the east coast to the mountain west. That leap of faith allowed me to realize what is hoped for with evidence of things not seen (Heb. 11:1). Trusting in God to lead the way eventually helped me to understand the purpose of my existence: to love and be loved.

Now as I enter my “winter,” I realize that I have a few more chapters to write in the story of my life. I have found that I love sharing the wisdom I have gained over the years. Therefore, it’s time for me to share some of that “wisdom” with those coming after me on this journey we call life. So, for all you youngsters, (and that’s everyone under the age of 60), take it from me:

  1. Never stray too far from God. He has great things in store for you. Stick close to Him.
  2. Love your family and friends like there is no tomorrow, because for some, there is no tomorrow.
  3. Always trust in God to provide, even when the outcome looks impossible; for with God all things are possible (Matt 19:26). Believe in miracles. They do happen.

Virginia Lieto teaches theology for Saint Joseph’s College Online. She is the author of children’s book Finding Patience and blogs at www.virginialieto.com.

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