Call me a late bloomer, but pushing senior citizen status is really late for deep-seated rebellion to raise its obnoxious head. I’m not having some sort of delayed reaction to restrictive parents, legalistic religious beliefs or a domineering spouse. No, in fact, in another person I would perhaps not recognize my inner thrashing as rebellion. I might even cheer it as independence and growth. Yet somehow in that still small voice that speaks to my soul, I’m pretty convinced that I am rebelling.
I have married off the last child. I have worked and sacrificed to get to this stage of life. I have poured passion, creativity and heart into raising four children, and one husband. It is now my turn. Time for me, let’s make that a capital M-E.
I’ve been battling the “what if I never accomplish anything of significance?” question. I’m not alone in this. Other women in the same stage of life fuel this quest for self-fulfillment, shaking off the same baby shackles.
“I want to do something for me,” the lunch buzz around the restaurant table says. My insides chant the rally cry like a middle-aged cheerleader. “Me, me, me.”
Society, secular and Christian, dictates that I’ve had enough of putting myself under my husband’s authority, enough of caring for children, and enough of putting on hold my own dreams and desires. I am primped, primed and plumed to feel like a debutante finally come of age.
Yet, in my quiet alone with God, His Spirit whispers truth throughout the pages of Scripture to the disparity of my mind. I know that the core of my rebellion is not a new battle. It is only clothed in a different stage of life, when such questioning is quite fashionable.
But from where does personal value come, at any stage of life?
Ps. 18:32. “God makes my way perfect (complete, whole, entire).”
I have not really lost my identity after 40 years married to the same man. Mother, although a high calling, has never really been who I am.
I am a servant of the Most High God, and I am not missing anything, no puzzle pieces have been lost.
If I die today, without having published a book, learned to swim or elected to an office, will I be incomplete? Oh, there are a million things I hope to do in life yet. There are gifts I want to develop, risks I hope to take, and growth I yearn to see. But the subtle philosophy that exalts self and my needs above others, I do not wish to embrace.
Can any accomplishment outshine what I already have in Christ?
Unfortunately one is never to young or too old to succumb to the lie that performance equals worth. As I plunge into the second half of my century, I want to stand on a foundation of my worth in Christ alone.
There can be no greater freedom than who I am at His feet and in His heart.
Phil S
Aging is an interesting phenomena.
Janice
“I know that the core of my rebellion is not a new battle. It is only clothed in a different stage of life”. Great insight and one I struggle with as well. I may not “talk” rebellion or “look” rebellious, but my heart is primed to strike! After all these years I still need Jesus!
Sylvia Schroeder
Thanks Janice. Yup, that pretty much sums it up…I still need Jesus.
Blythe Thompson
Thanks for sharing this aunt Sylvia. I find it significant even in the throes of raising my children. Something I’ve actually been praying about is to know that what I’m doing now matters. I guess it’s a feeling that doesn’t stop. Especially the thought of “ME TIME.”
Sylvia Schroeder
You are so right. I remember what a tug of war THAT was!
Sue Kroeker
Sylvia–I enjoyed reading your post so much! Good to think about what the center of our universe is! Have a great day in THE LORD!
Sylvia Schroeder
Thanks Sue!
Becky Rogerson
Sylvia, I’m so excited that you’re sharing your writing on your very own blog!! It feels a little bit like sitting and talking with you. Not quite as wonderful, but oh-so-good in place of that!! Thanks for sharing your thoughts and challenging me with them!!
Sylvia Schroeder
With a cappuccino and brioche, right?
Jan Puffenberger Unger
Enjoying your Website this morning to end my morning time with Him. Once again, God speaks through others…
Sylvia Schroeder
Thanks!