50 Life Lessons

My child listen to what I say, and treasure my commands.  Tune your ears to wisdom, and concentrate on understanding.  Cry out for insight, and ask for understanding.  Search for them as you would for silver; seek them like hidden treasures. Then you will understand what it means to fear the Lord, and you will gain knowledge of God. 

For the Lord grants wisdom!  From his mouth come knowledge and understanding. He grants a treasure of common sense to the honest. He is a shield to those who walk with integrity. He guards the paths of the just and protects those who are faithful to him. Then you will understand what is right, just, and fair, and you will find the right way to go. For wisdom will enter your heart, and knowledge will fill you with joy. Wise choices will watch over you. Understanding will keep you safe.  ~Proverbs 2:1-11

As I continue my summer theme of listen, learn and let go, these verses struck a chord. To paraphrase King Solomon above, as we listen to God and his wisdom, we will gain understanding. God will protect those who heed and obey as His knowledge fills us with joy. I want nothing more than to listen, learn and then let go of my ways and follow His plan for my life. These verses sum up my desire.

While seeking His wisdom for my life and even more earnestly over the last 10 years or so, there are a few life lessons I’ve  learned. I still feel like I’m in my 30’s or 40’s but the calendar says I’ll reach 50 later this month, so this week and next, I’ll be sharing 50 of these life lessons. There are many more, but I pray these selected will resonate with you. Many of these could be expanded on in an entire whole post themselves (and probably will be) but for now, here’s the beginning of the list.  Feel free to chime in with your own ideas with an email, comment below or on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest or Instagram.

50 Life Lessons (part 1)

  • Being fully present is one of the best gifts to give others and ourselves.
  • Life is better when shared with others.
  • Find your people and work to maintain those relationships.
  • Having people (friends and family) who understand us is good and needed.
  • Knowing God understands us more than anyone else is even more important.
  • Accept help when offered, otherwise we deny people the opportunity to love us.
  • Ask for help when needed, don’t be ashamed or afraid. No one is an island.
  • Don’t try to be everything to everyone. We will lose ourselves and our God-given purpose and resent others in the process.
  • Smile, wave or say hello to people, when possible, even if it’s a bit out of your comfort zone.
  • Plan for fun each day or it may not happen.
  • A day without laughter is not a good day.
  • We don’t always have to act our age.
  • Choose reactions wisely. It doesn’t matter what others do; be who God made and wants us to be.
  • Know when to speak and when to listen. Maybe not everyone wants our opinions.
  • Don’t complain, act instead.
  • Realize if we identify a problem, we’ll probably be asked to fix it.
  • Knowing when and what to say yes to are skills that need to be practiced.
  • Not everything is our assignment.
  • Know how you learn (learning style) and use those strengths to help areas of weakness.
  • Find and understand your happy place. Go there as often as possible (physically and/or mentally).
  • Plan for all contingencies but be flexible to adjust or change as needed.
  • The sage wisdom of children and our elders is priceless. Pay attention.

I hope these insights help spark your own thoughts on what you’re learing in life as we follow His footprints. I’d love your feedback and watch for the rest of the list next week…[tweetthis]Life is full of lessons-see part one of 50 life lessons learned here![/tweetthis]Linking with Brenda at #ChasingCommunity

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8 thoughts on “50 Life Lessons”

  1. Hi Jill. This is such a good series idea. I particularly like this lesson: “Smile, wave or say hello to people, when possible, even if it’s a bit out of your comfort zone.” I’ll apply that when I’m at She Speaks two weeks from now. Blessings to you!

    Reply
    • Hi Sarah-Thanks! Yes, She Speaks is one of the best places to do this-you’ll meet so many new friends-I can’t wait to hear about your experience! Have fun, learn and enjoy it all!

      Reply
  2. Excellent list, Jill. I can’t pick out one or two that I like the most because they’re all so good…and so wise. Exciting big birthday you have coming up! Happy early birthday to you. (July is the best birthday month, right?! 🙂 ) I’m taking a bit of a break this week, but wanted to hop over and encourage you because you’re always such an encouragement to me. (I notice your linkup buddy hasn’t stopped by. sigh. I’m sorry. I wish I knew how to “fix” that.) Love you, friend. ((xoxo))

    Reply
    • Thanks Brenda-Yes, July is the best! Thanks to you too for encouraging all of us and sharing our words. Enjoy your break this week!

      Reply
  3. I like your life lessons!
    I think the one that speaks the most to me right now is to be who God made and wants us to be and not to worry about what others may have done or said. I need to stop internalizing people’s insults and learn to let their abusiveness roll off my back like a duck in the water. It’s not about me or about them; it’s about God and His plan.
    Thanks for sharing! 🙂

    Reply
    • Thanks Ruth! It’s so difficult to live for God and not allow the opinions or words of others seep into our thoughts or actions. But the gift of God’s Spirit within us will give us this strength! It is about God’s plan, not ours. So glad you enjoyed the list, watch for part 2 coming up!

      Reply

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