Challenges in the Middle Years.

"To say that youth is happier than maturity, is like saying the view from the bottom of the tower is better than the view from the top." ( William Lyons Phelps)

People in many societies place great value on youth. As these people grow older, they may feel pressure to deny that they are aging and to look and act younger than their years. There is no harm in looking our best, but we should not succumb to any attitude that life is over after a certain age. As we reach middle age, we should be able to appreciate the fact that we are still progressing and these years can be as rewarding as other periods of life.

We should be happy that we have endured life's trials thus far and that we have gained wisdom through overcoming difficulties.

There are many rewards in these years.
We usually gain most of the skills necessary to meet the demands of daily living during youth and young adulthood. So, in the middle age, we are more able to focus our attention on other important matters. This can be the period when we finally have the time to apply our knowledge and experience in broadening our interests.

Quoting Phelps : "I know of no greater fallacy than the statement that youth is the happiest time of life."
As we advance in years we really grow happier, if we live intelligently. As we ascend the range of our view widens immensely ; the horizon is pushed further away. Finally as we reach the summit it is as if we have the world at our feet.

We gain this broader perspective as we incorporate truth into our lives through study even prayer and contemplation of our experiences. Job said: "With the ancient is wisdom, and in length of days understanding." As we gain insight through study and experience, we can exercise sound judgment.

The understanding and wisdom that occur in these days are rewards of immeasurable value. Solomon wrote : " Happy is the man/ woman that find wisdom, and they that get understanding." In our middle years, we may feel a deeper sense of peace and a keener sense of direction.

Individuals in this period of life are often influential in the affairs of government, business and industry. They add stability, knowledge and sound judgment to the organizations that they serve. Parents become more aware of problems that their teenagers are facing, such as distress, discouragement etc. They can organize programs and provide an environment for growth and support.

During these years, we may have fewer financial pressures and thus greater opportunities to help yourselves and others. Middle age offers increased opportunities for spiritual growth. During this time in life many individuals have their first personal touch with death when a parent or a close friend dies. This experience, though difficult, can bring into focus the purpose of life. We must be able to stand firm and endure our difficulties through faith or whatever works best for us.

There are adjustments and challenges during middle age as well as rewards. Parents who have raised a family and whose children are now independent may feel that the most rewarding phase of life is over. They may feel useless and bored. These feelings are normal, but they need not linger. They need to realize that the next phase of life can be as rewarding as any other phase. The challenge is to make the transition.

Parents at this time, can help their children become responsible, happy adults. Family discussions, working together and teaching by example help children to make good decisions. Spend time counseling them about studies, careers and marriage / relationships. Our responsibility as parents does not end when children become independent. As they leave home we should still be a good example and a safe place to them.

Middle age brings with it physical, emotional, social and spiritual rewards and changes. It is a time of adjustment and growth, of expanded self awareness. At this time we should increase our understanding and appreciation of how the Middle Years can contribute to our progression and make it an age as happy and rewarding as the other stages of our lives.

Sources : RS courses of Study, Excerpts from the Bible(KJV) , The art of living long. ( Richard L Evans), Pixabay.