Never Too Late

Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. Let those of us who are mature think this way, and if in anything you think otherwise, God will reveal that also to you. (Philippians 3:13-15 ESV). Problems and disappointments in the past can plant seeds of weariness and discouragement in our lives. But despite your background or age, you can still enjoy life and foster a better world. It’s never too late to accomplish your goals. The next time you get discouraged or feel the world is passing you by, think about these people:  At age 53, Margaret Thatcher became Britain's first female Prime Minister.  At 64, Francis Chichester sailed alone around the world in a 53-foot yacht.  At 65, Winston Churchill became British Prime Minister for the first time and started the epic struggle against Hitler.  At 72, Golda Meir became Prime Minister of Israel.  At 75, Ed Delano of California bicycled 3100 miles in 33 days to attend his 50th college reunion in Worcester, Massachusetts.  At 76, Cardinal Angelo Roncalli became Pope John XXIII and inaugurated major changes in his church.  At 80, Grandma Moses, who had started painting in her late 70's, had her first one-woman exhibit.  At 80, Winston Churchill returned to the House of Commons as a Member of Parliament and also exhibited 62 of his paintings.  At 81, Benjamin Franklin skillfully mediated between disagreeing factions at the US Constitutional Convention.  At 96, George C. Selbach scored a 110-yard hole-in-one at Indian River, Michigan.  And on his 100th birthday, ragtime pianist Eubie Blake exclaimed, "If I'd known I was going to live this long, I'd have taken better care of myself." Each of these men and women left their unique mark on the world. They had plenty of excuses to avoid even trying to reach their goals. But they chose to ignore the excuses, and live with zest and determination. You can make the same choice, despite what has happened in the past. As these and countless other people prove, the real limits in life are those you place on yourself. Rather than looking back at past disappointments, set your sights forward, with specific goals in mind. Then, with the help of God, work at achieving those goals. As you look at the future, think about what is really important in the long run. S. Truett Cathay wrote: "If you wish to enrich days, plant flowers; If you wish to enrich years, plant trees; If you wish to enrich Eternity, plant ideals in the lives of others." What about your planting? Do you allow the past to plant weariness and discouragement in your life? Or do gaze toward the future, and plant positive seeds in your own life and in the lives of others? Why not have some good talks with God? Ask Him what is it that He wants you to leave your mark on. Listen carefully, looking around to see what opportunities God is opening up for you. Don't hold on to preconceived notions, but be open to the leadership of the Holy Spirit. Then begin some planting. It is never too late to start working on an eternal heritage.