Too Late

Happy Monday!

I hope your Easter was lovely and blessed!

In the USA, today is Tax Day. Not our favorite day of the year, but an important date to remember. I think I learned something about “…render therefore to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s…” somewhere. Ah yes, Matthew 22:21. The rest of that verse reads “…and to God the things that are God’s.” (NKJV) These are definitely, words to live by in our daily lives.

As I write this a bit later than usual, I’m reminded that we’re occasionally late for appointments, deadlines, and other events with a timeline. Sometimes, we must accept penalties as routine and not take them as personal assaults. Other times, we may need to accept that the timing isn’t optimum but workable. And then there are circumstances when being late isn’t the end of the world, but maybe the beginning of a new season. 

Take, for example, starting a new career. I can’t tell you how many people I’ve known in my lifetime who begin a second or even third career after retirement. I heard a story the other day about someone who worked a job for many years and never felt fulfilled. After retirement, this individual began a non-profit that not only supplements the retirement income but provides a necessary service to others. During this time and season, the person finally feels purpose in life and is experiencing a new joy never felt before.

I found this quote from George Eliot, pen name for Victorian writer and journalist Mary Ann Evans, years ago, and it’s been a guiding light whenever I feel defeated or out-of-sync from a timing perspective:

This quote is refreshing and inspirational because we may want to disqualify ourselves from specific tasks or situations. We may have fostered an idea that we taught ourselves to believe with regard to our usefulness. There’s a good possibility that, in truth, we are more ready and capable now due to life experience, to manage a new job, responsibility, or change with greater understanding. We have cultivated and developed skill sets that may be exactly right for the experience.

The moral to the story is this, let’s not short-change ourselves when it comes to our abilities. Our puzzle piece might complete the picture. Even if we don’t feel entirely sure, with measured wisdom and discernment, our contribution may be needed, if not necessary. When our minds are open to possibilities, we realize new experiences and can launch ourselves into new areas of expertise.

This week, let’s spend some time revisiting old dreams or desires without disqualifying ourselves due to fear. Imagine how refreshing it is to check something off the bucket list or explore a new path. It’s never too late!

Be Well & Be Blessed!
Lucinda