Spontaneous Thought Explosion - Growing older and wiser

Turning 40 soon - When does the wisdom kick in?

After reading the numerous comments left for me on my first Spontaneous Thought Explosion post, I’ve decided to delve into the “funness” of getting older and the wisdom I have gained or not. Writing is good therapy!

Yep, I’ll be 40 this summer. I’m not quite sure what it should feel like. I’m noticing all the physical changes. The grey roots that I try to cover. The wrinkles between my eyebrows that are starting to give me a permanent angry look. The weight gain that doesn’t come off as easily as it use to. And especially how much younger the 20 year old women look!
I guess this is all par for the course. But what about this wisdom I hear of? Am I suppose to turn wise automatically when I turn 40? I use to think that!

I remember when I was in my 20’s, a young mother, I joined a group called MOPS (Mother’s of Preschoolers.) MOPS is a Christian based group that meets in churches all around the world. It was, to me, a wonderful support, full of mothers of all ages. I was one of the younger ones and I remember so vividly looking up to the moms who seemed so mature when actually they were just a few years ahead of me. Our group also included an older woman (grandmother type) from the hosting church. She was our mentor. She looked at us with caring and knowing eyes. Ready to teach us all she knew. Whether it was how to bake a pineapple casserole or work through a rough spot in our marriage. I can see back then that I was being taught, but soon it will be my turn to lead the way. She is what I strive to become. A Titus 2 Woman.

Titus 2:3-5
Likewise, teach the older women to be reverent in the way they live, not to be slanderers or addicted to much wine, but to teach what is good. Then they can train the younger women to love their husbands and children, to be self-controlled and pure, to be busy at home, to be kind, and to be subject to their husbands, so that no one will malign the word of God.

So when does this wisdom kick in?! I’m trying to figure it all out. My childhood memories, the hurts I’ve endured, the ramifications from decisions I’ve made throughout my life. I’ve always felt the need to use these past experiences to clarify why I am who I am. Well... all of this, plus the influences in my life, makes up “ME.” It is for those happy or hard times that I realize I have gained immeasurable wisdom and I’m becoming the mature, albeit wacky, woman I‘m suppose to be. I have much more to learn as life comes at me, but maybe as I go, I will also touch the heart of a younger woman and be an encouragement to her life.

Here's a quick list, off the top of my mind, of some women in my life and wisdom that they shared and I pass on to you:

My Mother and my Grandma Rachel both taught me that I am a daughter of the King. That foremost, I am loved by God.

My Grandma Peggy taught me to sing, to whistle while I work, and to take pride in appearance.

My high school buddies, taught me about true friendship and standing up for someone that I care about.

The close friends I've made over the last 10 years or more, have taught me about keeping confidences, being supportive and non-judgemental.

(My daughter, at one year old, is re-teaching me how to slow down. To enjoy the sunshine, flowers and hugs. )

Now it's your turn. Do you have something to add about this topic or are you raring to go on one of the other topics I've mentioned? Once you've written your post, either grab my button on the sidebar or just place a SillyLittleSparrow link into your post reminding your readers that they can find more stories here. Then, sign Mister Linky using either your post title, your name or whatever you'd like and add the direct link to your relevant post. Don't forget to leave your little chirp too. Before long, we'll have everyone exploding with spontaneous thoughts!