Life is hard. I’m about halfway through. I’m getting old.
My hair is turning grey, my metabolism is slowing down, and I’m tired.
I feel properly grown up. I could start to slow down, to switch off, to do less. But as a Christian, I am called to ‘live life to the full’.
I don’t think this means racing cars, bungee jumps and all-night raves. I think it means facing life, living intentionally, making connections, loving deeply and letting go of the things that hold me back.
I need to face the challenges life throws at me, whatever they are, rather than run away or numb them out. I need to live each day intentionally, appreciating the beautiful skies, awesome trees and delicate flowers, just in my back garden or passing me by on the bus. I need to reach out to others – be brave to share, to trust, to ask for help.
I need to learn to love myself firstly, so that I can truly love others deeply, without conditions or control. And I need to let go of negative relationships, past hurts and future anxieties because they keep me stuck.
I can do this, if I remember that I’m not doing it alone – I’m doing it with God, who is my rock, my stabiliser and my hope.
“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” Isaiah 41:10
Anna Adams – Wokingham Baptist Church, facilitator of Celebrate Recovery, a faith-based group supporting people who want freedom from hurts, habits and hang-ups.
