The world suggests that the 4th quarter of life is one of diminished capacity and reduced or reducing value…..I could not disagree more. Our culture suggests that the critical elements of retirement are to amass as much money as you can and then do nothing. Or at least prioritize anything you do to satisfy your own desires. I can’t find either meaning or purpose in that perspective. I believe that God does have a plan and a purpose for me that extends for a lifetime, not just a season or until a specific age. I’m in the Active Application stage of the 4th Quarter. I look forward to the next stage of Purposeful Consultation followed by Insightful Reflection. The last quarter of life can be the most impactful season of your life. I am so thankful that I know a God who strengthens me to carry out his plan, and upholds me when the going gets tough. As we all know, the going get tough often, but only if you are actually doing something meaningful and with purpose. An important part of that “upholding” piece is carried out through others. A wonderful example is the UnShackled for Life group of believers at First Baptist Church of Black Forest. Loving, caring, praying and believing that we can both grow and go together, is so encouraging. When we are faced with the truth of God’s word, and then accept it and apply it, life’s journey, both spiritual and otherwise, takes on both new and significant value.