I am excited to say that I turned 40 this week. Some may wish to be like Mother Gothel in Rapunzel and have some magic trick to keep them youthful or access to the fountain of Youth known as a mythical spring, that restores the youth of anyone who drinks or bathes in its waters. I however am looking forward to my 40’s and the dreams God has in store for me. According to C.S. Lewis, “You are never too old to set another goal or to dream a new dream”.

Rather than relying on some fad trick to keep me young, in the book of Rev 22: 1-2 we read about Eden being restored; “Then the angel showed me the river of the water of life, as clear as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and the Lamb down the middle of the great street of the city. On each side of the river stood the tree of life, bearing twelve crops of fruit, yielding its fruit every month. And the leaves of the tree are for the healing of the nations”. 

If I desire to be a fruit bearer, I must plant myself near the water of life. In Ps 1:3; “That person is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leave does not wither – whatever they do prospers”. How can I be fruitful, youthful, and planted in God’s word? Number 7 is the number for completion in the bible: 

1.     Stress less! Mat 6:34; “Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Ead day has enough trouble of its own”.

2.     Surrender more! Pro 16:3; “Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and he will establish your plans”. 

3.     Give thanks always! 1 Thes 5:18; “Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus”. 

4. Love myself more! Mar 12:31; “Love your neighbor as yourself”.

5.     Build a healthy tribe! Pro 27:17; “As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another”.

6.     Rest well! Ps 46:10; “Be still and know that I am God”. 

7.     Find Joy in the Journey! Neh 8:10; “For the joy of the Lord is your strength”.

We have also heard that laughter is the best medicine for the soul. From Walt Disney, “Laughter is timeless. Imagination has no age. And dreams are never forgotten”. I can laugh as I say, “40 is the new 20”. Stay planted and stay young. Keep dreaming with me!