This week, I enjoyed a birthday lunch with a dear friend, and like always, we ended our time together with a question. She asked me, “As quickly as you can, what are the most important things you’ve learned in your 60 years of life? She wanted me to list them without hesitating, and to my surprise, the list came easily. I told her that with age comes clarity. Life’s bumps may be harsh, but they teach us, prepare us, and clarify our priorities. Without hesitation, here are a few of those lessons learned over a 60-year journey.
When God seems quiet.
Know that He is working to prepare you for what lies ahead. Hold on, and don’t get discouraged. The quiet moments are some of the most important in your journey.
Choose your tribe wisely.
Bathe these choices in wisdom and prayer. Occasionally, the people we assume are helpful are actually causing harm. Are they 
rowing the boat with you or drilling holes in the floorboard? It’s not the number of people in your tribe that matters; it’s the quality of their character. Surround yourself with those who love, support, pray, uplift, speak the truth, have your back, and cheer you on through it all.
Listen more, talk less:
Sometimes, our silence can speak volumes. In moments of grief, struggle, or confusion, simply being present and offering a listening ear can be more comforting and meaningful than any words we might say. Psalm 46:10 encourages us to “Be still, and know that I am God.” In our silence, we create space to hear God’s voice, receive His guidance, and understand His will for our lives.
Love your family fiercely.
Invest in your family and pray for them, even those who have hurt you. The time you spend with family is the most precious time of all.
Forgive often.
Forgiveness is a gift to yourself. Holding back forgiveness only harms you, not the person who hurt you. When your heart is free of anger and grudges, it can catch life’s blessings. Life is too short to stay stuck in resentment.
Don’t compare yourself to others.
It’s the thief of joy. You are fearfully and wonderfully made with a very special purpose. When we measure our worth against the achievements, appearances, or possessions of others, we overlook the divine design and calling God has placed on our
lives. God created each of us with intention and care, giving us specific gifts and a path that only we can walk. Embracing our individuality allows us to appreciate the unique journey God has set before us.
Gratefulness is a game changer.
You woke up today, and that’s a blessing! Viewing life with gratitude changes everything. Appreciate the small moments along with the big ones. Sometimes, the small moments are the most important ones. You defeat darkness when gratitude is your default.
Be kind to yourself.
There is only one you, so treat yourself with kindness. Make time for activities you love and take moments to simply breathe. Embrace the present and set aside time in your schedule just for you. Remember, it’s okay to prioritize yourself.
“No” is a complete sentence.
It’s okay to use it. Each “no” creates space for a purposeful “yes.”
Never stop dating your spouse. Love transforms and deepens over the years. Someone once asked me why we celebrate 
our anniversary every month. It’s so we never stop celebrating the reason we came together in the first place. Invest in each other. It’s worth it.
Get a pet. Because some days you just don’t feel like dealing with people, and animals are the furry therapists that make everything better.
Set aside time daily for Jesus.
Prioritize these moments and focus on listening to Him. The feelings of “Jesus, where are you?” quickly fade when you stop and spend time in His presence. If God feels distant, He hasn’t moved—you have. Stay close to Him and tune out distractions. The noise isn’t worth listening to.
And…
Love wins. It just does. Always.