Debbie and I are in a new and exciting season of life. It is the first time I do not own or run businesses or have kids or grandkids living at home. It will be a GREAT season, but we have learned to enjoy every season. We have learned to enjoy the journey. My outlook at age 70 and 50 years of marriage is life has only begun. We have seen Ephesians 3:20 come to life; live and enjoy it.
Ephesians 3:20 (NKJV) “Now to Him who can do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us.”
It’s one thing to talk about Ephesians 3:20; it’s another to live and enjoy. We have seen and lived it out in every area of our lives – marriage, church, finances, and family. This is called loving every season of your life!
Where Do We Go From Here?
Ecclesiastes 3:1 (NKJV) “To everything there is a season, A time for every purpose under heaven.”
I love this verse; it reminds us to learn to enjoy every season of life. Enjoy when you’re first married. I can still remember those times! We drove to the Justice of the Peace in East Texas and got married! If I remember correctly, Debbie laughed during part of the ceremony, which was not very romantic. We spent the night in a hotel and went out to eat, which was romantic.
After 50 years, that is why it is so important to remember if you want to have a successful marriage that will last 50+ years and she will still your best friend and love of your life. Remember, it’s what you do to have the marriage that makes a great marriage!
My point is we did not have a church wedding; there was nothing wrong with that. We did not have a honeymoon, but what we did do was learn to enjoy the moment and season we were in.
Later, we had kids. When you have kids, you must learn to enjoy that season. That’s not a season in which you can go and simply do what you and your mate want to do. That’s the season Debbie and I are finally in at 70 years old! But when you have babies and young children, that’s simply the season you’re in. You need to learn to enjoy them, and the season you are in.
Caution: That does not mean we should not make time for each other. When possible, still have a date night. At first, you will have to bring the baby with you, but take time for yourself in time. Remember, this is a season, but this season will pass, and you will still have your mate if you handle the seasons correctly.
Then you will move into the teen years. Hopefully, you have built equity and connections with your teen. If not, it is hard to start if you wait until then. The time to build equity and connection is when your children are young. They still love you and even want to be with you. Believe it or not, when they are young, they still believe you are smart. That, too, will pass.
But if you have built equity and connection even during times of disagreement,(which is healthy as they grow and mature and feel they need to make some of their own decisions), they won’t want to lose that connection. That connection you made while they were young keeps bringing them back as they get older. This allows us to enjoy the season.
Then they finally began to move out!!!! Some call it the empty nest season; I call it the freedom season!!!! If you and your mate have maintained the relationship you should have, you will be sad and glad at the same time. Learn to enjoy this season of being able to go without worrying about the children.
Then comes the retirement season, which has been very complicated for me. I’m 70 and love preaching more than ever! God’s blessing with more fruit in my latter years than my younger years.
Psalm 92:14 (NCV) “When they are old, they will still produce fruit; they will be healthy and fresh.”
Genesis 25:7-8 Abraham lived for 175 years, and he died at a ripe old age, having lived a long and satisfying life. He breathed his last and joined his ancestors in death. I don’t think I will live to 175 years, but I believe God has and will give me a long and satisfying life!
At 70, this is the first time I have not owned businesses and preached. This is going to be an incredible season that I’m looking forward to and Debbie and I will embrace it.
Here’s the point: don’t wish your life away, saying things like, “I can’t wait until I retire, I can’t wait until the kids are gone” (even though you might not say that, but think it), or “I can’t wait until we have enough money to do______.”
The real key to a happy life and marriage is learning to enjoy and be happy in every stage. Life is not so much about age, as it is how you live it.
Philippians 4:11-13 (NIV) “I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content, whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need and what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well-fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through him who gives me strength.”
Contentment is a learned secret that comes as we learn to focus on all God has given us and not all we don’t have. Focus on the good qualities and characters of your mate and children, and intentionally thank God regularly for what He has done and is doing.
Ecclesiastes 5:18-20 (CEV) “What is the best thing to do in the short life that God has given us? Let us enjoy eating, drinking, and working hard. This is what God intends for us to do. Suppose you are very rich and able to enjoy everything you own. Then go ahead and enjoy working hard—this is God’s gift to you. God will keep you so happy that you won’t have time to worry about each day.”
Learn to enjoy every season! Enjoy not only the season but also every minute.
It’ is mine and Debbie’s prayer that you will not only enjoy every season, but that God will keep you so happy you won’t have time to worry! Debbie and I love you and want the best for you!
Love,
Pastor James & Debbie Greer
We have only begun!
Ephesians. 3:20 lived out!
Love is not so much a duty, but a delight, it's not so much a feeling as a fact, it's a decision that leads to the right actions over and over until the feelings come. Love is the right decision put into action over and over again that will then lead to the right feelings. You can't feel your way into love, but you can act your way into love.
It's not a decision that makes a great decision...it's what you do after. Learn insights from 50 years of marriage. Through this book. I hope your marriage and relationships go from ordinary to extraordinary.
Pastor James Greer