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February 13, 2009Going Where God Wants You to Go
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My grandsons, Carter and Aidan, are growing up in their young years with a surprising truth: Grandmothers drive red convertibles. Really - both of their grandmothers drive red convertibles. Mine is an awesome Mustang, and the other grandma drives a red VW bug convertible.
So why a red convertible? I've had several people ask me, "Aren't you a little old for a mid-life crisis?" But this isn't a crisis at all. It is a statement about the future. Over the years I have driven sedans, stations wagons, vans - all big and rarely a color I would prefer. Now my kids are grown and I don't have to be sensible in my car size. I love red and I love sporty and I love wind in my hair.
But my car reflects a much more important message to me. So often when women - mothers - finish their primary parenting responsibilities (we know they don't really end), and their bodies begin to betray them some, they think it is time to relax, take it easy, put their feet up. I think the opposite is true: It is time to put on my running shoes (or hop in my Mustang) and see where God wants me to go.
I believe God wants me to be a good steward of all the experiences and lessons of my life. He has more people for me to touch for Jesus, more good works he has prepared for me to do, more opportunities (with my husband!) to grow and give - and now I have the freedom and wisdom and time to do them. My car helps me go, and the going gives me energy.
Read what the other grandma says: I consider this season of life often challenging and very rewarding. The freedom resulting from fewer family responsibilities has opened many new opportunities that I would not have had time for previously. I didn't for one minute expect God to ask me to do, or even think I was capable of doing, the things he is now asking of me. The things he had prepared for me have definitely taken me out of my comfort zone. But with his help the rewards are more than I ever imagined.
For you it may not be a red convertible, or even a car. But however you get there, make sure you go. If you are at a turning point, whether it is an empty nest or just a time of transition, if you suddenly have new time and freedom, ask God what he wants you to do, what new opportunities he has for you. God has called us to be partners with him in building his kingdom. He has given each of us so much, and he is not wasteful. Pursue his best next contribution for your life and ministry! (And take those grandkids with you!)
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Comments
Thank you for this post, Judy. While I am not in the season of life that you are in now (I am in throes of raising 4 very young children), I know what my callings and giftings are but am unable to use them right now. Your post encourages me to know that God is not "done" with me yet! Blessings!
Posted By: Angela | February 14, 2009 8:39 AM
I am a mom of 3 children (ages 18-23) and though I am not a grandmother I have had these same rumblings in my spirit. Even to the point over the last few months of telling my husband that my van driving days are over. Start looking for that sporty little car in any color I choose. (I'm not sure it will be red, but it will be small, fast and preferably a stick shift)
As I've watched my parents age and their bodies and minds prevent them from engaging in so many ways I've come to another conclusion. Time is short. I've been telling my friends as I passed that 50 mile marker in age that I "might" have 20 productive years still in me. 20 good years. Maybe.
When I put those 2 thoughts together they have launched me on a similar journey. What is God asking me to do that I was unable or unwilling to do before in my life? What has He been preparing me and equipping me for? I want to be "mobile and agile" ready to listen and respond. I think a sports car is warranted.
Posted By: kathy | February 14, 2009 10:06 AM
Judy,
You are an inspiration, and I love to see you zipping down the road in your red Mustang convertible.
I hope the spirit of what you're saying and living is contagious!
Posted By: Carolyn Custis James | February 15, 2009 9:30 PM
Hi Judy! I still remember meeting you at last year's Synergy Conference (can you believe that was the first time I'd heard of The Shack? Can't even count the times now!). Love the image of you zipping along in a red 'vertible with the grandkids.
My husband and I don't have kids or plans for any, but I am inspired by your call to stewardship and pursuing God's guidance for next steps. Those of us who skip the "van-driving" stages all together have the same responsibility to listen to God's call out of comfort zones and into his work, although the life path may look different. Thanks for the post!
Posted By: hollie baker-lutz | February 16, 2009 2:29 PM
What an encouragement! My husband and I have been together for almost 29 years. Our two children are grown and married. We will become grandparents for the first time this coming August. We love to spend our summers witnessing as we ride our Harley Davidson motorcycle. The Lord has definitely called me out of my comfort zone this year as I will be the speaker for Him at our Womens Retreat in April. To God be the Glory, great things He has done!
Posted By: Pam | February 18, 2009 7:44 PM
I love it Pam. You go, girl!
Posted By: Judy D | February 18, 2009 10:12 PM
Thank you so much for being encourageous. This has helped my soul which was dieing. Now I know I have to take each and every opportunity to pray. Please help praying for my life which is so empty. I beg your prayers.
Thank you and be blessed
Posted By: Martha Muchafuruka | February 19, 2009 2:10 AM
Lord, I pray for Martha. Encourage her heart, quicken her soul. Fill her with Your Spirit, affirm that You have good things you want to do in and through her, lift her eyes to You. May she know You have not forgotten her as she rests in Your love and presence. In Jesus' name.
Posted By: Judy D | February 20, 2009 7:35 AM
One of the things that excites me about Synergy is that it enccourages each woman to believe God for that Mustang, or those running shoes, or however she goes, no matter what season of life. It isn't too late to register for Synergy. www.SynergyToday.com.
Posted By: Judy D | February 22, 2009 7:52 PM
Hi Judy,
Thank you for sharing your inspirational personal life journey.This is coming at a time when I am seeking God's guidance and direction as to what He wants me to do as I feel I need a change of career.Keep up the good work and God bless you.
Posted By: Roseline A | February 22, 2009 8:47 PM
Judy, thanks for this. So many women need to hear this. Women need to know we have the freedom in Christ to be what he wants us to be even after we've raised our children. I have recently bought my first car and gone back to the career I put on hold while raising a family. I can't wait to see what comes next for me!
Posted By: teresa | February 22, 2009 11:34 PM
I also pray for you, Martha, that you would be strengthened and encouraged to pursue God and His wonderful plans for you at every stage of life.
I am almost sixty (so hard to believe!) with two grown married children and two grandchildren. I have been married 41 years.
I am so encouraged to read the "red convertible post"! So often we as older women are made to feel that it's over as far as making real contributions. Totally opposite of what Scripture teaches! I am very much enjoying being stretched into new areas of service in these years of changed parenting duties. God is so amazing in the plans He has for us. I may not get an actual red convertible, but in my mind, the air is blowing in my hair and I am sailing along the highway!
Posted By: Linda | February 24, 2009 9:50 AM
surfing the internet, because i am about to speak at a woman's retreat, ran across this-drove me to tears, i love it, i never thought of it this way-thanks Judy-this is awesome
Posted By: deborah | April 12, 2010 6:06 AM
You posted this over a year ago. I saved the URL to remind me of what i read.
My wife and I are going where we never thought we would go. A place without the traditional church and without fellowship.
Yet, in going where we are directed, God's presence is known among us.
It's nice to be reminded.
Posted By: Dr Tim | July 15, 2010 11:02 PM