50 Life Lessons

Life teaches us many lessons along the way. As I approach a milestone birthday soon, let me share 50 life lessons I’ve learned.

Continuing my summer theme of listen, learn and let go, a few Bible verses struck a chord. To paraphrase King Solomon, as we listen to God and his wisdom, we will gain understanding. God will protect those who heed and obey as His knowledge fills us with joy. I want nothing more than to listen, learn, and then let go of my ways and follow His plan for my life. These verses sum up my desire.

My child listen to what I say, and treasure my commands.  Tune your ears to wisdom, and concentrate on understanding.  Cry out for insight, and ask for understanding.  Search for them as you would for silver; seek them like hidden treasures. Then you will understand what it means to fear the Lord, and you will gain knowledge of God. 

For the Lord grants wisdom!  From his mouth come knowledge and understanding. He grants a treasure of common sense to the honest. He is a shield to those who walk with integrity. He guards the paths of the just and protects those who are faithful to him. Then you will understand what is right, just, and fair, and you will find the right way to go. For wisdom will enter your heart, and knowledge will fill you with joy. Wise choices will watch over you. Understanding will keep you safe.  ~Proverbs 2:1-11

While seeking His wisdom for my life even more earnestly over the last ten years especially, there are a few life lessons I’ve learned. I still feel like I’m in my 30’s or 40’s but the calendar says I’ll reach 50 later this month. To celebrate, I’ll be sharing 50 of these life lessons. There are many more, but I pray those selected will resonate with you. Many of these could be expanded on  (and probably will be) but for now, here’s the beginning of the list.

50 Life Lessons (part 1)

• Being fully present is one of the best gifts to give others and ourselves.
• Life is better when shared with others.
• Find your people and work to maintain those relationships.
• Having people (friends and family) who understand us is good and needed.
• Knowing God understands us more than anyone else is even more important.
• Accept help when offered, otherwise we deny people the opportunity to love us.
• Ask for help when needed, don’t be ashamed or afraid. No one is an island.
• Don’t try to be everything to everyone. We will lose ourselves and our God-given purpose and resent others in the process.
• Smile, wave, or say hello to people, when possible, even if it’s a bit out of your comfort zone.
• Plan for fun each day or it may not happen.
• A day without laughter is not a good day.
• We don’t always have to act our age.
• Choose reactions wisely. It doesn’t matter what others do; be who God made and wants us to be.
• Know when to speak and when to listen. Maybe not everyone wants our opinions.
• Don’t complain, act instead.
• Realize if we identify a problem, we’ll probably be asked to fix it.
• Knowing when and what to say yes to are skills that need to be practiced.
• Not everything is our assignment.
• Know how you learn (learning style) and use those strengths to help areas of weakness.
• Find and understand your happy place. Go there as often as possible (physically and/or mentally).
• Plan for all contingencies but be flexible to adjust or change as needed.
• The sage wisdom of children and our elders is priceless. Pay attention.

I hope these insights help spark your own thoughts on what you’re learning in life as we follow His footprints. Watch for the rest of the 50 life lessons list next week…

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