How did you make it to 90?

Why do elderly people give up the secrets to long life for free?

I recently heard an interview with legendary TV producer Norman Lear who created such shows as "Sanford and Son" and "The Jeffersons". Lear was about to celebrate his 93rd birthday and the host asked him for the secret to living into his 90's. 

Lear's response was two words:

Over

Next

Lear said he's had many more failures in life than successes, and those who focus on their failures are rarely ready for what's next. So Norman said he learned early that if something was over, to move on to what was next. 

Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead. Philippians 3:13

Paul assured the believers at Philippi that he was not perfect. Instead, whether good or bad, he always left the past behind him. In doing so, he was certain to never dwell on his defeats or his successes for too long.

We need to become more forgetful. Otherwise, we overly praise our past success, or needlessly hammer ourselves over sinful failures. And as we declare the past to be over, we can truly focus on what God has for us next.

What needs to be OVER for you? Are you living in past success or failure that makes it difficult for you to move on? Speak openly with God about your difficulties in getting over your past. 

What needs to be NEXT for you? Don't just wonder, but pray and ask God. He has plans for us, but it's our responsibility to pursue those plans for His glory and our blessing!