There are so many things that I have done in my life that have been hobbies and fun ones at that! Over the years I had to start making concessions and giving them up. Let me share just a few of those with you that I have done. Some I still participate in but then there are many I have given up. I'll indicate the ones I have given up with an in front of them. Now this is participation hobbies.
These are a few I have given up: Baseball, softball, bowling, skating, water skiing, snow skiing, motorcycling, umpiring baseball, officiating basketball, trapping wild game, and raising hogs (literally).
These are a few I still participate in: Fishing, hunting, swimming, camping, radio broadcasting sports, golf, hiking, playing music on my mandolin, singing, did I say hunting and fishing?
Why do you think I gave up some of my hobbies. There are several reasons! First, I became incapable of doing some. Physically was unable to perform these to the point of enjoyment. Others I gave up because of health reasons. Still others I just became to old to do, which I never thought was possible. Those were the things I gave up, yet there are some that I still participate in and enjoy.
Life does this to us. There are things we would really love to continue in our lives, but there comes a time when it has been "Long Enough." We have done our time and we need to move on to other things. We may not want to, but it has been long enough. We may feel we can still perform in some ways, but it has been long enough.
I have several friends who over the years have talked with me about this and I understand better now that I am getting older how they feel. Many of my peers are having to give up things that they really don't want to give up but realize that it is necessary to listen to those around them who care about them and want nothing but the best for them.
This very thing is happening at the church where I serve as the pulpit minister. Several of our elders who have served for so many years have said "enough." Not that it was a problem that caused them to leave, but the came to realize that it was time to step aside and listen to their bodies and hearts to know what to do. I admire their desire to be honest with themselves and understand that they will never stop leading others in Christ. I pray for them in their transition.
Think about your life. Have you reached a point to where you have had to say, "Enough?" Have you come to the point where you have understood it was time to give up some of the things you really loved? It is okay to give up the things you can't do physically or spiritually, as long as you don't give up doing what is right for God. It is time to become a blessing for others by allowing yourself to stand back and enjoy watching and listening to those who have come after you and be there to give them the wisdom and encouragement they need to do what it is they do.
I'll see you later.
Thank you, Britt. I too, have had to give up many things that I used to do---I also thank God that John has made me give up some things & he now does them. I see others (& most recently an elder) who refuses to give up & hand the reins to younger men. It happens to all of us. I am 68 yrs old & my mother is 90. I told her the other day to just accept that life changes & we must adjust---but, it is not an easy thing to do. Thank you again for putting this before us.
ReplyDelete