Skip to content
  • The Alabama Baptist
  • The Baptist Paper
  • The Alabama Baptist
  • The Baptist Paper
  • Login
  • Subscribe
  • Renew
  • Donate
  • The Alabama Baptist
  • The Baptist Paper
  • The Alabama Baptist
  • The Baptist Paper
  • Login
  • Subscribe
  • Renew
  • Donate
The Alabama Baptist
Search
Close this search box.
The Alabama Baptist
Search
Close this search box.
  • Latest News
  • Trending
  • Editorials
  • Classifieds
  • Free Email Newsletter
  • Latest News
  • Trending
  • Editorials
  • Classifieds
  • Free Email Newsletter

Rashional Thoughts: Five decades of life lessons excellent preparation for rest of the journey

  • June 3, 2021
  • Jennifer Davis Rash
  • Editorials, Latest News, Rashional Thoughts
Photo by Jennifer Davis Rash

Rashional Thoughts: Five decades of life lessons excellent preparation for rest of the journey

Turning 50 definitely puts perspective on the reality of mid-life and the fact a hill does indeed exist. While I like to think I’m standing dead center on top of that hill, those ahead of me contend I shot right past the top and am now officially “over the hill.”

That’s OK, I’m still ready to embrace the rest of the second half and round out the third quarter with even more gusto — and no regrets.

After all, climbing up a hill should be harder than strolling back down, even with the slips and stumbles that come from the momentum gained on the descent. So, let’s go for it.

Reflecting back across the decades, I recently realized a few life lessons I’ve learned along the way that helped mold the current version of this particular redhead.

And being a redhead is what led to one of my early ah-ha moments.

First decade of life (0 to 9 years old) — I realized each of us as individuals has value and offers something special to the world.

It would be later that I truly comprehended how each of us is made in God’s image (Gen. 1:27), but as an elementary school child I could have easily withdrawn into a shell because of my hair color.

The red hair and freckles combo automatically means you stand out in a crowd, and children tend to prefer similarities with those around them, which means they can pick on those who are different.

I was blessed with multiple layers of family and friends who always made me feel safe, loved and extra special, so I was spared what could have been difficult self-esteem issues.

Once I made it out of the teen years, I quickly embraced the parts that help me stand out, but the childhood experience taught me to be aware of others who might need a little extra support to know his or her value.

Second decade of life (10 to 19 years old) — This is when I gave my whole heart and life to Christ and committed to serve Him in all that I say and do.

I make mistakes every day and sometimes can be really hard on myself when I do, but clinging to Jesus always carries me through the difficult moments.

Third decade of life (20 to 29 years old) — Wait, what? I really haven’t figured life out by now? How did I miss that?

It was hard to accept at first, but the reality of “the more I learn, the less I know” started in my 20s and has only increased through the years.

Fourth decade (30 to 39 years old) — Reevaluating the pressure we put on ourselves and shifting to an appropriate intensity allows us to strive for excellence in everything we do in a more healthy manner — and enjoy it in the process.

Fifth decade (40 to 49 years old) — People you love and admire will let you down, disappoint you and even hurt you, but they are still worth loving and forgiving.

Some boundaries are essential in certain situations, and we should pray for discernment during those times, but we all still need a little grace and forgiveness along the way.

Now armed with five decades of life experience, I’m ready to apply what I’ve been learning while also continuing to learn new lessons every day.

Thank you for how you help me grow personally and care enough to share with kindness when I make a misstep or cause confusion in some way.

And please know how much you are appreciated. You are the reason we do what we do, and we cherish the opportunity to serve you by serving the Lord through TAB Media.

Share with others:

Share on facebook
Facebook
Share on twitter
Twitter
Share on linkedin
LinkedIn
Share on email
Email

Latest News

  • Family pastor serves out of personal experience
    Family pastor serves out of personal experience
    September 22, 2023/
    0 Comments
  • Worship leader Kristian Stanfill connects worshippers to unshakeable truths
    Worship leader Kristian Stanfill connects worshippers to unshakeable truths
    September 22, 2023/
    0 Comments
  • Heroes of the Faith — Robert Lowry, pastor and hymn writer
    Heroes of the Faith — Robert Lowry, pastor and hymn writer
    September 22, 2023/
    0 Comments

Sign up for the Highlights

Get all latest content delivered to your email a few times a month.
Email is required Email is not valid
Thanks for your subscription.
Failed to subscribe, please contact admin.

Related Posts

Rashional Thoughts: Debt forgiveness debate provides opportunity to share Christ

August 30, 2022

We all may know a young person who took advantage of the student loan option more for the cash infusion

Guest editorial: What if we see ‘once in a lifetime’ as opportunity and challenge?

July 26, 2022

By Carrie Brown McWhorter Content Editor, The Alabama Baptist Writing a “senior prophecy” was an annual  tradition at my high

Guest editorial: What might happen if God’s people truly cried out to Him?

June 21, 2022

Editor’s note — Editors, writers, photographers and a variety of other communicators from across the U.S. shared a press room,

Rashional Thoughts: Navigating ever-increasing worldwide strife, life stress

March 1, 2022

The people of Ukraine need our prayers; the fragility of the world in general needs our attention. Our U.S. elected

Want to receive news highlights throughout the week? Sign up here!

Email is required Email is not valid
Thanks for your subscription.
Failed to subscribe, please contact admin.

About

  • Free Email Newsletter
  • Contact Us
  • Donate
  • Our Story
  • Our Staff
  • Awards and Recognitions
  • Affiliations
  • Partner Links
  • Advertise
  • Internships
  • Find Churches
  • Classifieds
  • Archived: Special Resources
  • Special Events
  • Photo Galleries
  • Free Email Newsletter
  • Contact Us
  • Donate
  • Our Story
  • Our Staff
  • Awards and Recognitions
  • Affiliations
  • Partner Links
  • Advertise
  • Internships
  • Find Churches
  • Classifieds
  • Archived: Special Resources
  • Special Events
  • Photo Galleries

Explore

  • Latest News
  • Archive
  • Sunday School Lessons
  • Editorials
  • Alabama News
  • Podcasts
  • Obituaries
  • Theology 101
  • Someone You Should Know
  • Rashional Thoughts
  • Persecuted Church
  • Heroes of the Faith
  • Reader Response
  • About Alabama
  • Videos
  • Latest News
  • Archive
  • Sunday School Lessons
  • Editorials
  • Alabama News
  • Podcasts
  • Obituaries
  • Theology 101
  • Someone You Should Know
  • Rashional Thoughts
  • Persecuted Church
  • Heroes of the Faith
  • Reader Response
  • About Alabama
  • Videos

Submissions

  • Story Ideas
  • Staff Change or News Item
  • Letter to the Editor
  • Reader Submissions
  • What Are You Reading?
  • Obituary
  • Correction / Clarification
  • Submission Policy
  • Story Ideas
  • Staff Change or News Item
  • Letter to the Editor
  • Reader Submissions
  • What Are You Reading?
  • Obituary
  • Correction / Clarification
  • Submission Policy

Subscribe

  • Start a new subscription
  • Renew your subscription
  • Start a new gift subscription
  • Start a new group subscription
  • Start a new subscription at the group rate
  • Subscribe to the TAB News app
  • Update your subscriber list
  • Subscribe to Highlights
  • Register for online access
  • Hosted Church
  • Manage Account | Customer Service
  • Start a new subscription
  • Renew your subscription
  • Start a new gift subscription
  • Start a new group subscription
  • Start a new subscription at the group rate
  • Subscribe to the TAB News app
  • Update your subscriber list
  • Subscribe to Highlights
  • Register for online access
  • Hosted Church
  • Manage Account | Customer Service
The Alabama Baptist
Address:
3310 Independence Dr.
Birmingham, AL 35209
Copyright © 2023 The Alabama Baptist, Inc.
  • Privacy Policy/Terms of Use
  • Help
  • FAQ
  • Privacy Policy/Terms of Use
  • Help
  • FAQ
Email:
news@thealabamabaptist.org

About

  • Free Email Newsletter
  • Contact Us
  • Donate
  • Our Story
  • Our Staff
  • Awards and Recognitions
  • Affiliations
  • Partner Links
  • Advertise
  • Internships
  • Find Churches
  • Classifieds
  • Archived: Special Resources
  • Special Events
  • Photo Galleries
  • Free Email Newsletter
  • Contact Us
  • Donate
  • Our Story
  • Our Staff
  • Awards and Recognitions
  • Affiliations
  • Partner Links
  • Advertise
  • Internships
  • Find Churches
  • Classifieds
  • Archived: Special Resources
  • Special Events
  • Photo Galleries

Explore

  • Latest News
  • Archive
  • Sunday School Lessons
  • Editorials
  • Alabama News
  • Podcasts
  • Obituaries
  • Theology 101
  • Someone You Should Know
  • Rashional Thoughts
  • Persecuted Church
  • Heroes of the Faith
  • Reader Response
  • About Alabama
  • Videos
  • Latest News
  • Archive
  • Sunday School Lessons
  • Editorials
  • Alabama News
  • Podcasts
  • Obituaries
  • Theology 101
  • Someone You Should Know
  • Rashional Thoughts
  • Persecuted Church
  • Heroes of the Faith
  • Reader Response
  • About Alabama
  • Videos

Submissions

  • Story Ideas
  • Staff Change or News Item
  • Letter to the Editor
  • Reader Submissions
  • What Are You Reading?
  • Obituary
  • Correction / Clarification
  • Submission Policy
  • Story Ideas
  • Staff Change or News Item
  • Letter to the Editor
  • Reader Submissions
  • What Are You Reading?
  • Obituary
  • Correction / Clarification
  • Submission Policy

Subscribe

  • Start a new subscription
  • Renew your subscription
  • Start a new gift subscription
  • Start a new group subscription
  • Start a new subscription at the group rate
  • Subscribe to the TAB News app
  • Update your subscriber list
  • Subscribe to Highlights
  • Register for online access
  • Hosted Church
  • Manage Account | Customer Service
  • Start a new subscription
  • Renew your subscription
  • Start a new gift subscription
  • Start a new group subscription
  • Start a new subscription at the group rate
  • Subscribe to the TAB News app
  • Update your subscriber list
  • Subscribe to Highlights
  • Register for online access
  • Hosted Church
  • Manage Account | Customer Service

Log In

Lost your password?

Log Out?

Lost your password?

Log in

Become a part of our community!
Forgot your password? Get help

Reset password

Recover your password
A password reset link will be e-mailed to you.
Back to
Login
×
Close Panel