How Does Each Stage of Life Present Opportunities?

The aging process cannot be avoided, as it involves moving progressively to another age bracket. How a person feels about getting older determines whether each stage in life is greeted with enthusiasm or dread. The signs of aging are connected to changes in body features and physical endurance.

For many individuals this natural phenomenon creates anxiety or even panic. Perhaps it’s equating happiness and acceptance with being young, strong, and energetic. A life crisis is often precipitated by thinking one’s youth has slipped away so the future lacks promise.

This attitude falsely concludes happiness is impossible. The solution is believing God intended for each stage of life to present opportunities for fulfillment. 

God helps us grieve and let go of what cannot be held on to. Grieving promotes godly healing, which enables us to see clearly God’s plan for our future. 

_________ 

That is why we are not discouraged. Though outwardly we are [changing daily and] wearing out, inwardly we are being renewed day by day. 

~2 Corinthians 4:16 God’s Word Translation

_________

Subscribe to the Attitudes Answers podcast on your favorite podcast platform to hear this and other 2-minute features 3 days every week.

Spiritual Integrity: Hope for the Family - Part 2

If you were to take stock right now, what would you say is your most important life concern? The majority of people say family takes first place, but  prayer is needed to alleviate the anxiety that comes with facing an uncertain future. Hope for the future tends to diminish where pessimism and negativity are allowed to gain a foothold, for these indicate an attitude of hopelessness.

Integrity anchored in faith and trust in the Lord Jesus Christ provides hope for the future. Integrity under-girds a belief that God faithfully supplies a good  purpose for our existence at every stage of development. Growth, change, and discovery become a never-ending process for those who maintain hope and are willing to participate in what God has to offer.

St. Paul put it this way, "For this reason we do not give up. Even though on the outside it looks as if things are falling apart, our spiritual self is being renewed day after day." Our integrity gets a boost when we put into action what we believe and know to be true of God's faithfulness, mercy, and compassion.