I guess when you’re over 30 you learn that the ideal of the 20s doesn’t exist. You learn that maybe somewhere between “here” (I’m young, free and anything is possible) and “there” (great career, great marriage, and 2.5 kids with a white picket fence) lies a gap that is filled with “now” (there is waiting and pruning and much, much obedience). Those high expectations of adventure and excitement slowly dissipate throughout the days, weeks, years. And God in His love and goodness does sprinkle them throughout the mundane but the mundane seems to overshadow the daily grind of life and those peaks of “highs” can catch one off guard. One thing I have learned is this: God values routine. He values routine because routine instills discipline and endurance and faithfulness. He also values adventure. But the adventure can be equated to sweets and sweets should only be consumed in moderation for one who lives out a healthy diet. For one who wants to be around for the long haul. For one such as myself. Sweets are enjoyable in and of themselves, but when they are overly consumed they leave you with a tummy ache at best and a few extra pounds at worst. Sweets are more enjoyable when they are rare and sprinkled throughout a healthy diet.
I have enjoyed the sweetness of God.
Even when I find myself waiting and hoping and wanting, He is there. He is there revealing the purpose of His plan. He is there and speaking to me over and over again “I want you to know ME. I want you. I want”. And it is being revealed to me that God wants. I realize how much He and I discuss what I want. But any good relationship requires a back and forth banter. If two individuals are in conversation and it centers only on the one person, the other person is neglected. The other person’s personhood is not shared. And that person walks away from the conversation not feeling known. Everyone wants to be known.
Including God.
So the in-betweeness of “here” and “there” is actually what is most important to God. Because it is in the “now” that we are able to “BE”, with Him. In that “being” we begin “knowing”. And in that “knowing”, we obtain wisdom and understanding of the Most High. It is for that very reason of growing and obtaining wisdom that I can say that the 30s have been far more enjoyable than the 20s. Lack of adventure and all. SHALOM
