All That Matters: Wisdom From My Thirtieth Year
Photo Caption: To begin again was a key theme I learned last year. In fact, this money tree symbolized this lesson. It unfortunately died one day after it was given to me. It then resurrected to life shortly thereafter.
I reflected on three key pieces of wisdom from my thirtieth year. Here they are.
Begin Again
We all fall short of perfection in love, in excellent practice of the virtues. Humanity is fallen. We have a proclivity towards sin and lowliness—where the critters crawl and the snakes slither. Even Peter, chosen as the leader of the Apostle’s, those closest to Jesus, denied the Saviour three times. Yet he was given not just a second chance, but a third chance to say to His Lord, “Yes, Lord, you know that I love you.” A fallen humanity is also a redeemed humanity, because Jesus gives us the grace to pick ourselves up when we fall. We are no longer defined by our fall but by our willingness to rise and begin again. Mercy and forgiveness and repentance have the last word and victory. That is the power of love, the Cross, and its victory over sin and its apparent defeat.
God Uses All Things
Here I was, my seventh year into missionary work, and I got an out-of-the-blue message. It was for a potential job in the very field I studied—investment management. All because the manager came across a resumé from 2014. That was eight years ago. I eventually accepted a job offer several months later and I am excited for a new career change that will use my investing skillset. God uses our experience and past in wonderful ways. We only need to trust Him, that He can bring a good out of any situation. If we have a particular skillset, gift, or desire to work in some area of interest—have no fear, simply be open. For God will use us and what we have to offer. But only seek to do His will and do it. This is where the most amount of fruitfulness will come from.
All That Matters Is Love
Everything in life is passing. The only thing this world has to offer is a grave. So why not pursue what is most meaningful and lasting? Relationship? My Mom gave a wedding speech for my sister Emily back in the fall. She said, “All that matters is love.” And I knew the weight with which my Mom spoke, and the conviction after having lived through tragedy. Life is a gift and a gift made for others. It is love that fulfills this ache in our hearts. To be loved and to love—that is what matters most in this world.