HOW TO RECOVER LOST YEARS

I was standing with an elderly person one day, and I learnt a priceless lesson from the words he said and what he left unsaid. He mentioned how he seemed to have lost grounds with his peers and how hard it was to connect with another generation. He said, “I just feel alone.”

Those four words hit really deeply that day. He shared how his uncle went to an old classmate to seek a job for his son. He had to sit for hours and yet did not see the person. Again, the weight of the pain the uncle felt hit me.

If your mates travel faster than you in life, the first thing that you must fight is resentment. Resentment is a feeling of displeasure at something that is regarded as wrong. It comes out with strange tones like, “God only helped or glorified that lazy person” (It is deeper when written in Yoruba language) or “Be careful of rich people. Who knows what they are doing. The root of wealth is very messy”.

If you realize that you are becoming resentful because your peers are making progress, you need to deal with your heart. Refuse the poison of resentment. It will disconnect you from your generation. You will become a lone ranger, but worse still, you will end up falling behind.

When Jesus told Peter about his assignment for him, Peter began to ask about John the beloved also. The answer of Jesus is very instructive.

When Peter saw him, he asked, “Lord, what about him?” Jesus answered, “If I want him to remain alive until I return, what is that to you? You must follow me.”

John 21:21-22 NIV

What is that to you?

How does the progress of your friends affect you? Are you joyful or jealous? Even when you celebrate with your friends, are you doing it genuinely, or are you doing it as an incentive or suggestion to them to treat you the same way?

How do you recover lost years? First, be humble enough to learn from those who have gone ahead of you, even if they used to be your contemporaries. Rather than talk down on what they do, bend down in meekness so you can stand up with lessons that will usher you into greatness.

Meekness is a game changer. Do not say things like, “Where will I start from?” Or “Death is sweeter than shame.” Do not allow the devil to interpret the process that will help your life as a shameful decision. If it will help your destiny, never be ashamed of it.

The LORD lifteth up the meek: He casteth the wicked down to the ground.

Psalm 147:6 KJV

Are you trusting God for a turnaround? Embrace meekness! Be teachable. Stay humble.

temilOluwa Ola, Eruwa