The average life expectancy in Singapore is 85 years old and 75 in Philippines. With eighty years of age as the median, now at officially 40 years old, I am considered at my half time. Boom!
I could hardly remember what an author says but it goes something like this, “The first half of your life is an era of discovery – of yourself, your gifts, your life purpose. The next half is all about running with it and soaring into greater heights.” No wonder many people deem 40 an individuals’ prime.
If you’re at that mark and beyond but yet to discover yours, not to worry. What’s important is a mindset of curiosity, hunger for greater things and a desire to live a purpose-filled life (and that will always include a life lived for others, not just your own.)
It’s been 1 year and 9 months since I left my comfortable corporate job to jump into the open sea of the “unknown”. It has been a great adventure, roller coaster ride thus far. If life is just a boring, straight line then I’m barely living.
Well, I also see crossing 40 as a point in your life when you evaluate the first half, assess what went well and what can be improved, recalibrate and go back in to attempt a stronger finish in the next half.
Here are some realizations about my own life:
1. I always had the little child in me, which is a good thing. Don’t lose that childlike awe and wonder. That way, you can see the beauty that surrounds you and still hope for the best in people and your environment. You will always see an opportunity to infuse joy and view life as a child’s play worth enjoying.
2. Change is a good thing but just like a wave, you got to ride it and not let it wash you back to shore. I’ve gone to numerous schools, lived in various locations, became a member of different churches and cell groups, worked under multiple managing directors and superiors in the same company, migrated into all sorts of operating systems…. and while it has not been an easy process, with the right attitude one will see it through. Amazingly, it launched me to a higher level each time I overcame the hurdles that came along with it.
3. Money is neutral, it just follows the nature of the one holding it. They say if you want to know the character of a person, give him power and wealth. Money does not make a person. It’s the money’s bearer that determines its purpose. I long to see more people put money to good use and utilize it to make a difference in people’s lives.
In the next half of my life, I want:
1. To be more purposeful in building meaningful relationships. It starts with my own family, then in my ministry, amongst my clients and community. I will do what I can to help people level up in all the areas of their life.
2. My giving to exceed my receiving even though I know that I can never outgive God. Having that mindset will still keep my heart in check.
3. I will be more intentional in the way I invest my time, energy, money and wisdom to ensure that it is carrying on an eternal perspective. God has set eternity in my heart and it is just right to live it my best life for Him and for others.
Such a wonderful thing to be out on self-retreat at some nice beach park. I think I should do this more often, maybe once a week. While I wanted to stay much longer, got to roll back home before the rain starts to pour. Before I end, I just want to really give my God all the glory for what was and is and is to come. I can’t imagine life without You. I can never thank You enough. I look forward to live my best life in the next half until we meet face-to-face.
