What if We Could Live Our Lives in Reverse?

“Aging is an extraordinary process where you become the person you always should have been.” 

-David Bowie

A weird idea came to me while on my morning walk. What if God birthed us into the world, not as infants but as eighty- year olds–intellectually vibrant, but including our assorted sags and wrinkles. What if we could grow into our youth equipped with the knowledge and experiences we gathered through eight decades of living? Would we raise our children and love our neighbors differently?

Perhaps we’d have come to realize that:

• Relationships are more important than things, always.
• Reaching out to help is preferable to judging because behind each person’s action there is a reason.
• We can give hope to those who’ve made bad decisions and point them to healing  in Christ’s Redemption.
• Having compassion for folks that are physically challenged—putting ourselves in their shoes— is far more desirable than laughing or making fun.
• We should worry less! We’d have become aware of God’s faithfulness. That He has us in His Hand and although his timing and plan is often not our own, He always comes through.
• Daily gratitude is important. We’d be thankful for each unique person or thing, even though tinged with earth. Perfection awaits in Heaven.
• Collecting quite a variety of friends from different backgrounds, races, ages and values broadens our perspective.
• The depth of love we have for our children and grandchildren is stunning.
• We could be more in love with our spouse than when we married.
• We don’t have to do everything. Our gifting and strengths will make a place for us.
• Our life’s work is valuable because we are serving others and improving their lives.
• Our work ethic and attitude is more crucial to employers than college degrees.
• Our insecurities may tell us that we’ll look better when putting others down. We now know that we’re better when we champion one another.
• Having a vision and making plans is important because time is finite. Making deliberate choices about what to give ourselves and our time to is crucial.
• Listening is one of the best ways to show love. “Be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry.” James 1:19
• Giving generously when an opportunity is presented is always a good idea. “And don’t forget to do good and to share with those in need. These are the sacrifices that please God.”  Hebrews 13:16
  
• It’s important to eat real food, choose an active lifestyle and eschew fad diets. Steadiness is key to being healthy for the long haul.
• We should show respect for others by replying to invitations and requests. We’d know how much work is involved in planning an event.
• We don’t need to wait until our house looks like a magazine spread to have people over.
• Being outside and enjoying our magnificent world is a gift.
• You can always fill the holes and paint another color!
• There is always something to smile about!

I hope my rambling thoughts have stimulated your thinking and maybe even inspired you! What would you add to my list?