Growing in Grace
Growing in Grace
Understanding and Embracing God's Plan for Midlife
Reading Time: About 3 minutes
I am looking at the subtitle I chose for this blog post and I am wondering, “Does God really have a plan for midlife? How do I become the best me in midlife? Is it too late?”
And then I remember the story of Abraham and Sarah and what her response was. Of course, she was 90. 1. Yes, they lived longer back then. 2. She was past child-bearing years - so it works for my example.
What was her response?
Genesis 17:19-21 God told Abraham Sarah would have a son in about a year
Genesis 18: 10 - Sarah overhears The Guest tell Abraham He will return in a year when Sarah will have a son.
Genesis 18:12 - Sarah laughs to herself with disbelief
Genesis 18: 13 - God knowing her thoughts asks why she’s laughing!
Genesis 18:14 - Do you think there is anything too marvelous for Yahweh?
So, I ask you…
Is there anything too marvelous that God couldn’t create for your life right now?
I don’t think He would mind if you laugh - as long as it isn’t with disbelief.
I truly believe this is what it means by Growing in Grace. When we get out of our own way, set our ego and limiting beliefs aside and embrace that God has a plan and we have a role in it.
I recently went through an experience where within a short amount of time (in less than a week) I was brought to my lowest low. I surrendered my business that after 18 years I finally just gave up and let go. I was completely empty. I was extremely depressed dealing with what this has cost me. (My son turned 18 that same week.) I went into an event that I purchased a ticket for back in January without possibly knowing what would happen between January and March 16th.
But God knew.
I went into the event completely … empty and open to the experience and what God had waiting for me. Within a week I went from an extreme low to moderate high. What God gave me during that time - an answer to a prayer I had going into it- I never would have seen, heard or realized - much less been open to - had He brought it to me in a space where I was full of things not meant for me - but previous business direction, limiting beliefs, self-sabotage, etc.
I believe laughter is a releasing; and depending on the situation, it could be releasing joy, absurdity, disbelief… it’s an emptying of self… of emotions impossible for us to contain while at the same time dumping wonderful chemicals into our bodies that give us the feelings and energy to move forward lighter.
Midlife is a wonderful time. It’s the perfect time. Maybe not to give birth to a child - but give birth to something else.
Whatever it is we do in midlife, we will do with greater wisdom, patience and belief than we ever would have when we were in our 20’s. Praise God for that! And we will do so giving ourselves a dose of grace and laughter over all of the things that aging has attempted to do to us.
We laugh anyway.
Three things I gained clarity on in March:
It’s time to move forward with Promised Land Chronicles - it’s been a project in progress for awhile. Now, I’m ready to unveil it to the world. Please check it out here and be sure to subscribe so you don’t miss anything! It launches Monday, April 3, 2023.
It’s time to return to coaching as an Identity Coach and launch that. Since it’s been five years since I last formally coached anyone, I decided to offer a launch special for my coaching services. Learn more HERE.
Launch Journey Together group: Stacks and Hacks - Habit stacking and hacking for better living. It’s a 12 week journey. Check it out here.
Thank you for reading! I’d love for you to comment and tell me what you laugh about - no matter what stage of life you are in!
MelAnn
Be sure to check out other fellow bloggers who are blogging about Becoming today!
A Work In Process – Becoming by Lisa Crowder
Simple Is Better – Becoming by Dianne Vielhuber
Growing in Grace: Understanding and Embracing God’s Plan for Midlife by MelAnn (You are here!)