"A life devoted to things is a dead life, a stump; a God-shaped life is a flourishing tree." Proverbs 11:38
There must be some truth to the saying that life begins at 40. Today, I am facing the Big 4-0 straight in the eye and taking stock of my life. What have I accomplished so far? What is the bearing of all these earthly achievements in my future?
Looking back, I was quite goal oriented in my uhm… younger years. I wanted to start my career as news reporter as soon as I graduated from college. In fact, I was dead-serious about it that I didn’t bother making friends at the University. I thought that drinking sprees, discos (yes, it wasn’t called bars back then) and night life were a distraction to my plans.
After a short stint with a religious publication for teens, I jumped ship to the government network. Full of idealism, I wanted to serve humanity and the country. Only to realize that the only people we served were the administration politicians. But that’s another story. I didn’t clinch the position I wanted as soon as I wanted. I had to make do as a copywriter thinking that it would be my stepping stone. I was so bullheaded about being a reporter that I got my Masters degree just to gain an edge. The break came after five years with the Creative Unit.
Finally, I had the chance to be a news reporter. Thing is, I realized that it wasn’t as exciting as I expected. While reporters would did anything to get a beat and affirm their status, I got mine when a senior reporter left for a study grant Singapore. I covered the Senate and later the House of Representatives. Hanging out in media offices and waiting for politicians to call for a press conference was not exactly my idea of adventure and service. It was a drag. The glamor and glitz of the dream suddenly fizzled out. After three years of trying it out as a news reporter, I went back to the very job I half-heartedly took before. This time, I was more appreciative.
By the time I hit my 30’s, I got the job I’ve always wanted but left it for my old one, bought a house I could call my own, finished my MA, got no promotion but earned the respect of my colleagues as chairperson for the Union. After accomplishing everything I wanted to do, I was clueless how to go on. My next goal was to get married but my groom was nowhere to be found. (Read: I have been a member of the NBSB Club as in “No Boyfriend Since Birth”). I guess it was out of flattery that got me going steady with a mestizo gwapito. Turned out the guy was a total jerk and I dumped him. Thankfully, God helped me instill a good sense of self that I didn’t have much trouble deciding whether to be a martyr or a virgin for life. I deserved the best. And that’s exactly what I got when God led me to meet my husband. Thank you, Lord. J
Now, I am about to start my 4th decade. That’s close to half a century. Where am I going now? Funny, all the accomplishments don’t seem to matter that much now. What I considered important then has reduced its value to an iota of nothingness. This time, I treasure friendships, relationships and most especially my happy family. Looking back, I truly appreciate God’s grace for healing old hurts and paving the way to a more enjoyable bonding with my parents, siblings and yes, my husband. I still haven’t lost the streak of goal-orientedness but this time the goals are far different from those I had in my 30’s. I aim to be the best wife, daughter and future mother that I could be. This time, I won’t live up to other people’s expectations and the world’s measure of success. My focus would be bringing glory to the Father who gives the ultimate meaning in my life.
To all women in their 40’s out there, enjoy your new life! God bless!
There must be some truth to the saying that life begins at 40. Today, I am facing the Big 4-0 straight in the eye and taking stock of my life. What have I accomplished so far? What is the bearing of all these earthly achievements in my future?
Looking back, I was quite goal oriented in my uhm… younger years. I wanted to start my career as news reporter as soon as I graduated from college. In fact, I was dead-serious about it that I didn’t bother making friends at the University. I thought that drinking sprees, discos (yes, it wasn’t called bars back then) and night life were a distraction to my plans.
After a short stint with a religious publication for teens, I jumped ship to the government network. Full of idealism, I wanted to serve humanity and the country. Only to realize that the only people we served were the administration politicians. But that’s another story. I didn’t clinch the position I wanted as soon as I wanted. I had to make do as a copywriter thinking that it would be my stepping stone. I was so bullheaded about being a reporter that I got my Masters degree just to gain an edge. The break came after five years with the Creative Unit.
Finally, I had the chance to be a news reporter. Thing is, I realized that it wasn’t as exciting as I expected. While reporters would did anything to get a beat and affirm their status, I got mine when a senior reporter left for a study grant Singapore. I covered the Senate and later the House of Representatives. Hanging out in media offices and waiting for politicians to call for a press conference was not exactly my idea of adventure and service. It was a drag. The glamor and glitz of the dream suddenly fizzled out. After three years of trying it out as a news reporter, I went back to the very job I half-heartedly took before. This time, I was more appreciative.
By the time I hit my 30’s, I got the job I’ve always wanted but left it for my old one, bought a house I could call my own, finished my MA, got no promotion but earned the respect of my colleagues as chairperson for the Union. After accomplishing everything I wanted to do, I was clueless how to go on. My next goal was to get married but my groom was nowhere to be found. (Read: I have been a member of the NBSB Club as in “No Boyfriend Since Birth”). I guess it was out of flattery that got me going steady with a mestizo gwapito. Turned out the guy was a total jerk and I dumped him. Thankfully, God helped me instill a good sense of self that I didn’t have much trouble deciding whether to be a martyr or a virgin for life. I deserved the best. And that’s exactly what I got when God led me to meet my husband. Thank you, Lord. J
Now, I am about to start my 4th decade. That’s close to half a century. Where am I going now? Funny, all the accomplishments don’t seem to matter that much now. What I considered important then has reduced its value to an iota of nothingness. This time, I treasure friendships, relationships and most especially my happy family. Looking back, I truly appreciate God’s grace for healing old hurts and paving the way to a more enjoyable bonding with my parents, siblings and yes, my husband. I still haven’t lost the streak of goal-orientedness but this time the goals are far different from those I had in my 30’s. I aim to be the best wife, daughter and future mother that I could be. This time, I won’t live up to other people’s expectations and the world’s measure of success. My focus would be bringing glory to the Father who gives the ultimate meaning in my life.
To all women in their 40’s out there, enjoy your new life! God bless!
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