“The View from the Mountain: Reflections on Turning 40”
Standing at the mountain's peak at 40, I find myself able to look down the side I’ve just climbed. The ascent has been filled with lessons, regrets, victories, and joys. I see the moments of struggle that felt insurmountable at the time, and the moments of triumph where God’s grace shone brightly. And as I stand here at this peak, I look forward to the descent—armed with wisdom gained and the energy God has granted to continue this journey.
This moment feels like a profound pause. At 40, I’m likely halfway through my life, if I live to 80 years. It’s strange to think that half of the journey is behind me, yet exciting to imagine what lies ahead. This sense of standing at the mountaintop reminds me of a powerful quote from *The Lord of the Rings*:
“I wish it need not have happened in my time," Frodo said.* "So do I," said Gandalf, "and so do all who live to see such times. But that is not for them to decide. All we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given us."
We all live in the time and place that God has put us. We are not meant to live in yesteryears nor in the uncertainty of tomorrow, but rather in the here and now. It is a constant reminder that we must steward the time we’ve been given, in the season God has ordained. Ecclesiastes 3:1 hits home: "For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven." God has designed our journey with specific moments of learning, growing, and contributing.
Reflecting on the Past
Looking back, I see both the victories and the regrets. It’s easy to let regrets—whether they stem from past mistakes, missed opportunities, or sins—hold you back. But as I reflect, I realize that God's grace has covered all of it. There's a temptation to dwell on the past, on moments of shame or failure, but that’s not where God wants us to live. The past shapes us, but it does not define us.
Lamentations 3:22-23 offers such profound hope in this regard: "The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness." This verse reminds me that every single day, God’s mercies are fresh. Yesterday’s mistakes, no matter how heavy, are met with today’s grace. God’s faithfulness has carried me up the mountain, and it will carry me forward.
We must let go of the regrets and shame from the past and rest in the forgiveness that is ours in Jesus Christ today. Living under the weight of past failures prevents us from embracing the freedom that Christ has already won for us. Through His death and resurrection, He has provided the way to live in forgiveness, not in regret. As Paul reminds us in 2 Corinthians 5:17, "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come."
Living in the Present
As I stand at this 40-year mark, I feel a clear calling to live fully in the present. Matthew 6:34 reminds us not to worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will take care of itself. Instead, we are called to be present today—to love God, love others, and walk faithfully in the steps He has ordained for us.
I want to live in the present, learning from the past, but not dwelling there, and trusting that the future is in God’s hands. God has given me this moment, this season, and it is my responsibility to make the most of it. The psalmist's prayer in Psalm 90:12 is now my prayer: "So teach us to number our days that we may get a heart of wisdom." Wisdom comes not from living in the past or worrying about the future, but from faithfully walking with God in the present.
Living in the present also means being mindful of God’s presence. I want to spend more time in prayer and scripture, cultivating an awareness of God’s daily grace and guidance. God’s presence isn’t confined to mountaintop moments or valleys of struggle—it’s in the everyday, the ordinary, and the routine. Developing a rhythm of prayer, reading, and reflection is crucial to staying connected to Him, even when life is busy.
Anticipating the Future
Looking forward, there is excitement mixed with a sense of responsibility. I don’t know what the next 40 years will hold, but I do know that God’s grace will be sufficient. Just as He has guided me through challenges and victories in the past, He will continue to provide for the future. The road ahead will not always be easy, but Lamentations 3:22-23 assures me that His mercies will be new each day.
I want to spend more time with family and friends, building relationships that matter and nurturing those God has placed in my life. Investing in those relationships, especially as I move forward.
Living healthier, both physically and spiritually, is also a priority. Taking care of the body God has given me, and managing my resources wisely, will allow me to continue serving Him and those around me with strength and purpose. By embracing a healthier lifestyle, I can be a good steward of what God has entrusted to me.
Moving Forward with Purpose
Standing at this moment, I feel both the weight of what has been and the excitement of what is to come. The words of Psalm 23:3-4 says: "He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for His name’s sake. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for You are with me."
I am not alone on this journey, and neither are you. Whether you’re climbing the mountain, standing at the peak, or beginning the descent, God is with you every step of the way. The key is to trust Him, live fully in the present, and embrace the new mercies He provides each day.
So, as I step into this next season, I do so with hope, gratitude, and the confidence that God’s grace will continue to sustain me. Here's to the next chapter, trusting in God’s faithfulness as I move forward.
