Half-Empty or Half-Full?

We’re sometimes confronted with the half-empty or half-full question when talking about adults in life’s second half. Is the glass half-empty or half-full?

It’s a good question for determining one’s basic life outlook. Some die-hard optimists immediately answer ‘half-full’, and others may gravitate toward a ‘half-empty’ response. But our pen wants to move farther down to the “not applicable” checkbox.

It’s true that some adults may have about half the physical or mental quickness of earlier years, but certainly not everyone in life’s second half runs at half-steam. For some the glass appears nearly dry, and for many the water is at the brim and trickling over … such a broad range of levels, moving both up and down during these later years.

Every month we’re notified of ministers from our denominational fellowship who recently passed away … a poignant reminder that our time here on earth is short. We can’t live in denial about this reality or our blessed hope … eternity with Christ!

It’s also a cue that we need to be raising up younger ministers, passing to them a full and vibrant vision for every life stage. As Jesus said in John 10:10 (NIV), “I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.”

And part of our YES! mission is to remind people, young and old, of how rich and purposeful these later years can be.

Our YES! board met recently at beautiful Mount Hermon. Serving with a spiritually mature, age-diverse board is an incredible blessing and honor.

Our younger board members took the lead in pulling us together in worship.

Dr. Amy Hanson joined us for a meaningful hour via Zoom. At 47 years young, Amy has been drawing out older-adult potential for nearly three decades.

Right now, our cups are full and running over.

Wherever we are in life’s journey, let’s reaffirm that God is not finished with us. Building our lives on His firm foundation, we put our trust in Him alone … we will not be shaken!