Did the Fat Lady Sing?

God is NOT done with us. We have so much more to offer, more to say, and more to give than in any other season of life. Our fears and insecurities are no surprise to Him and He will use every piece of us if we let Him: the good, the bad, and the ugly. This season of life is not the end of anything unless we let it be. It’s most definitely not the time to slam both feet onto the brakes and screech to a standstill. This time is an awakening, a jolt, a recalibration enabling us to refocus and do the things we are more equipped than ever to do.

The world needs you now. Not you when you finally get in shape, finish that course, clean out that kitchen drawer, or learn to do whatever. If you pull back now and stop taking chances and living full out, your story will fizzle out unnecessarily. And that would be the saddest story of all. But you can make the decision right now that this is only the middle of the story, and your story is getting better and better. Its pages will be filled with tales of twists and turns and love and adventure. Because you, my sweet friend, have more to give now than ever before. Don’t turn in a book at the end of Part 1; the second half is always the best half.

I’m not saying that this season is easy. It’s not. It’s strange and filled with questioning and doubt. But inside, past the melting body parts and the reading glasses, we have learned more, loved more, and even lost more than we ever thought possible when we were in our early twenties.

So get ready, because the only fat (okay, slightly overweight) lady singing around here is me—with an out-of-tune version of Helen Reddy’s “I Am Woman, Hear Me Roar.” I’m all in for the mighty second half, and I hope you’ll sing with me as we step into the best years of our lives

Lord, show me where the world needs me now. I embrace the newness of this day and your mighty plans for all my days ahead.