Thought for the Week
I once dated a struggling British actress. We talked about how hard it was to make it in the movie biz. She mentioned meeting a 35-year-old actor who’d just wrapped work on a “kid’s movie” at London’s Elstree Studios. It was his first lead role, he told her, but he was pretty sure it was going to bomb, so he was busy lining up carpentry jobs back in L.A.
The moment that kid’s movie, Star Wars, was released, Harrison Ford had to cancel his carpentry gigs. Because, after fifteen years as an underemployed actor, he was suddenly the number one box office star in the world, and remained so for the next two decades.
Henry David Thoreau said, “The mass of men lead lives of quiet desperation.” Why? Because so many fail to be who they really are, or even work up the courage to find out. It’s true that there are those who are deluded, who relentlessly pursue a false calling (fame, wealth, power), but they too have failed to find out who they truly are. I once met a teenage girl who was passionate about becoming an embalmer. Hey, not my cup of formaldehyde, but more power to her.
Keep looking. Keep listening.
Who are you?
It may take years to find out —
- At age 40, Toni Morrison wrote her first book and Vera Wang designed her first dress
- At age 50, wannabe businessman Ray Kroc bought a burger stand called McDonald’s
- At age 62, “Kentucky Colonel” Harland Sanders sold his first chicken franchise
- Laura Ingalls Wilder wrote her first book, Little House in the Big Woods, in her 60s
- Grandma Moses, whose artwork now sells in the millions, picked up her first paintbrush at age 78
- Harry Bernstein published his first book, the best-selling memoir The Invisible Wall, at age 96, and wrote three more before his passing at age 101
— but the journey will be greater than any adventure you’ll ever have in the guise of someone you were not created to be. And by the way…
It helps to check with the one who created you.
“Abraham (at age 100) did not waver is trusting the promise of God, but grew strong in his faith, being fully persuaded that God was able to do what he had promised.”
~Romans 4:20-21
This really made me stop and think. Thanks, Mitch!
My pleasure, Anonymous.
Perfect!
My first Leora book was published at age 75. I’ll turn 80 before the fifth one is ready. #aginggratefully #notgivingup
Amazing and very encouraging! 🙌🏻
Thanks, Joy. Encouragement to go with trusting Him.
Rock on, Joy!
So amazing! 💐
At 64 yrs. old I published my first book and just had # 11 released, Sarah’s return, at age 80.
Keep looking. Keep listening. God ain’t done with us yet.
Amen, Sue.
Cool, I love it.
💯right. GOD ain’t done with us yet.
Harrison Ford’s backstory and Thoreau’s quote go hand in hand. You chose a great way to make your point and share a poignant message. Thanks, Mitch! 🙂
My pleasure, Nancy.
Oh Mitch, I can’t thank you enough for this post… Working with a publisher to get my ‘first’ book out there at age “2 years younger than you.” 😅 At times I think, “who do you think you are?” The Lord reminds me over and over, it is not who I am but Who HE is that matters. As with Harrison Ford, I am yet to give up my day job…but your words are so encouraging that I will leave ‘even that’ in the Lord’s hands. No telling what HE has planned for each and every ol’ jar of clay… I pray He continues to pour fresh water into you, me and all of your followers that read and comment on your insightful posts! Thanks again, friend, only God knew…and then He used you! 🙌🏻✝️😊
Fresh water indeed, Dori, and he’s definitely not done filling you!
Thank you Mitch…it’s good to be reminded ‘His’ well never runs dry, right? 🙂
Right!
Love this! Thanks for sharing. 💐
Dear Mitch! You always seem to know how to get me back on track. At 78, I long ago gave up the day job I loved, along with the identity that defined who I was. When I met Jesus, my identity grew, of course, so that now I have the Lord to guide me. I’ve kind of forgotten that in recent days, lost the desire to write and finish my novella despite endless support and encouragement from my hubby. I’m going to go and have a long talk with my Shepherd, so please excuse me. ❤️🙏👍
Praying for a fruitful conversation with you Shepherd, Gail.
These stories are always a great reminder life sometimes and often starts anew after 40!
Mitch, thanks for this encouraging reminder that it’s never too late to become the person we were meant to be.
My privilege, Rosaliene.
At almost 79, I sure appreciate today’s blog.
You yourself have encouraged many people, I know, Bob.
Thank you, Mitch.
Oh my!
God is in the timing. Will be 87 the first week of July. Struggling to focus on writing a memoir of my spiritual journey from agnosticism to a faith that has carried my through 57 years. I write and have had short things published, but I need external deadlines!
Somehow becoming dead hasn’t worked. Prayed this morning on whether to keep trying. Thanks!!
Sounds like you have a wonderful story to tell, Eileen!
That was very encouraging and good timing for me. Thanks.
Mitch, it is so good to be reminded that each day is a new day regardless of your past history! Blessings!
You too, Hazel!
☺️
I love this reminder that you are never to old to fulfill your calling in life.
Yes. A beautiful and powerful reminder. It’s Vera Wang. Right? Thank you so much:)?
My pleasure, and thanks for catching that typo, Howard!
A small contribution
I especially enjoyed this post, Mitch, thank you for the encouragement!
My pleasure, Dana!
Well said! Yes, I finally published my children’s picture book at 30zzz age. 😉
Yay, Iman!
Thank you!!! I didn’t share it on my blog yet. Still working on some final touches. 😊🎉
Thank you for sharing this, Mitch. Found it very encouraging
Glad to hear that, Manu.
Mitch, Thank you! I’ve always wanted to write novels. Believe it or not — murder mysteries! I have plots in my head and even started outlines, but my insecurities kept me from finishing. The inner voice telling me I’m too old to start a new career fueled those insecurities. Time to stop listening to the inner voide and listen to the call.
Go for it, Anonymous!
Write!!
Mitch,
May we all find what God meant us to do. It can be a long road but meant to temper our faith.
Thank you, Gary
Gary Avants Forbear Productions * *garyavants66@gmail.com garyavants66@gmail.com
Amen! Thank you, Mitch!
This reminder was very encouraging. ⭐️
Delighted to hear that, T.
Amen
Great Share Brother.
The power of God’s influence in our lives is beyond measure. It wasn’t until I reached the age of 46 that I truly embraced a relationship with Him, and since then, there’s been no looking back. While I continue to grow and learn, I’m amazed at where He has led me. From writing blogs and books to managing an online ministry, every endeavor is not about personal recognition. Rather, it’s about exalting His name and sharing my journey in the hope of transforming lives and leading others to know Him. We’re called to be builders of His kingdom, and I pray that my efforts bring Him glory and honor.
Amen, Willie!
Amen 🙏🤗
Loved this post. Very encouraging! Ditto to Willie Torres Jr. Well-said. Thank you all for sharing. Hit the spot again, Mitch.
Thanks, San. I agree about Willie’s comment.
🤗♥️🙏
Perfectly timed! Thank you!
My pleasure, Anonymous.
Love this post!
Thank you for this today. It’s encouraging to hear that its never too late to achieve our goals.I long to be a writer but I’m always too tired to write at the end of the day.
Praying for a solution, Jenny.
Wow, that’s inspirational. I’ve heard of some of these successes, but great to see these names again!
Thanks for those inspiring words, Mitch. 💕
My pleasure, Sandy.
Truly wonderful post, Mitch. It’s not really “be who you are,” but “be who you are called to be”! There’s a world of difference between the two.
There is indeed, Dora.
Great post, Mitch! Love the stories and the encouragement, waiting is hard. Thanks and blessings!
My privilege, Peggy. And blessings to you.
Your post gives me hope! Thank you!
My pleasure, Ann!
Very encouraging!! And true.
You forgot to mention Moses, who ran for his life from Egypt at age 40 and came back at age 80 to lead Israel out to the Promised Land. Then he led them for 40 years in the wilderness (his wife kept saying, “Why can’t men ASK for directions⁉️😂) but actually because of Israel’s stuff-necked behavior. Then at 120 he led them to the edge of the Jordan and finally turned the reins over to an 80 year old Joshua.😉
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romans 4:22 missing a promised god does as medicine a broken promise dries up the bones
I have struggled in this area of age. But I always strive to remember that God can redeem the time. In just 3 years jesus did what people couldn’t do in 50. There is a story in John 6:21 ,where the bible writes that the boat they were in “immediately” reached the shore. God surpasses time and we are never too old to accomplish our calling. God can speed the process if he so wills. Blessings
Christian and motivational author follow @ christiantalkwithgeorgiosmitrakos.wordpress.com
You too, Georgios.
Amen and Amen!
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