Hello and welcome to my Monday blog post! I hope you are all doing great. I'm so glad you decided to join me. If you're a new visitor or just haven't committed, please consider subscribing to my site. There's no cost and no spam, just an invitation to follow me on my journey to Author and Beyond.
Today I want to talk about something that came up in a conversation I had several days ago. How old is too old? For what? For doing what you feel called to do. Maybe you call it a dream, plan, bucket list or a goal. On the other side of this coin, how young is too young? And if there is a too old or too young, does that mean only those within a certain age range are allowed to work to fulfill these longings? But those people are getting older, too. What if they don't reach that hoped for reward before the supposed "too old" age? Do they just quit or give up, because they ran out of time? Who set up these "rules"? Do people actually hinder us or is it simply in our own minds?
I know I'm asking a ton of questions. To be perfectly honest, I'm not sure I have a perfect answer for you. All I know is what I think is the right answer to at least some of these questions. I'd like to share a few examples from the Bible, too. Maybe you have some opinions you'd like to share on our topic today. If so, I'd love for you to comment and get a conversation going. Just remember, keep it clean and respectful.
Too Young?
Why would someone be considered too young? Here are some possible answers:
-Under parents authority
-Still live at home
-Can't drive
-Not old enough to work
-Not enough money
For example: The young person's hope is to be an Author. (It's what I know.) To prepare to be an author they can write....short stories, essays, poems, research papers, whatever. Authors write and writing takes practice. They can put effort into those things which will help them to be a better writer. For instance, grammar, literature and reading. Yes, reading helps you become a better writer. So, you see, even if all the excuses above are true, there's still a way for a young person to work towards their dream.
Timothy in the Bible wanted to be a preacher. He was young, but we don't know how young. This is what God told him through Paul the Apostle:
1 Timothy 4:12 English Standard Version (ESV)
12 "Let no one despise you for your youth, but set the believers an example in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity."
What were the only limitations placed on Timothy?
Set an example for the believers (in Jesus) in speech, conduct, love, faith and purity.
So, my answer to this question is...do what you can to push forward towards your dream, but make sure to set an example to believers in speech, conduct, love, faith and purity.
Daniel, Hananiah (Shadrach), Mishael (Meshach) and Azariah (Abednego) were all young men when they were taken captive by the Babylonians. The Book of Daniel is my favorite. If you are unfamiliar with the stories, I encourage you to read them and see how the Lord used these young men to stand up to King Nebuchadnezzar and survive! And God continued to use them throughout their lives. This one verse stood out for my subject today though:
Daniel 1:17 English Standard Version (ESV)
17 As for these four youths, God gave them learning and skill in all literature and wisdom, and Daniel had understanding in all visions and dreams.
The Lord will give you the abilities and skills to accomplish His plan for you. You just have to make sure you are following His plan and not your own.
Too Old?
Why would someone be considered too old? Here are some possible answers:
-Passed a certain age
-Can't keep up
-Less Technologically educated
-Health issues
-Don't know how many years they have left
Maybe you're thinking of some reasons, too. I know I've thought of most of those reasons in regards to myself. It's no secret I got a late start. I was about 45, before I began to seriously pursue writing. Many people are beginning to think about retirement around then and I was just getting started. Now I am almost 51 and I'm still pursuing my dream. When I think about my age and wonder if I waited too late, I think, What else would I be spending my time doing? Oh sure I have plenty to keep me busy, but this is what I can't imagine not doing anymore. The thought of not at least trying is painful.
Whether I live to be 98 like my great-grandmother or I don't make it to tomorrow, I want to do this thing I believe God gave me the desire to do. Maybe He wants me to go on this journey without ever reaching what I think of as the finish line. Well if so, I've put my dream in His hands, He will help me reach whatever the end point is that He's planned for me.
Exodus 7:7 English Standard Version (ESV)
7 Now Moses was eighty years old, and Aaron eighty-three years old, when they spoke to Pharaoh.
Joshua 14:10-12 English Standard Version (ESV)
10 And now, behold, the Lord has kept me alive, just as he said, these forty-five years since the time that the Lord spoke this word to Moses, while Israel walked in the wilderness. And now, behold, I am this day eighty-five years old. 11 I am still as strong today as I was in the day that Moses sent me; my strength now is as my strength was then, for war and for going and coming. 12 So now give me this hill country of which the Lord spoke on that day, for you heard on that day how the Anakim were there, with great fortified cities. It may be that the Lord will be with me, and I shall drive them out just as the Lord said.”
Here are examples of more modern day people not letting age stop them:
One more example and I'll rest my case. (Too dramatic? Lol)
All right, I'm done. Am I trying to convince you or myself? Lol. One thing I am convinced about is if it's God's will, it will happen for me and for you. Is there something you've wanted to do, but find yourself making excuses time and time again? Today may be the day to start no matter how old you are.
I pray you will all stay healthy and well. Thanks again for coming and I hope you'll come again next time. May the Lord God bless you and your family with Faith, Hope and Love, in Jesus' Name.
In Christ,
Sandy