I was reading a commentary about the journey through middle-age the other day and got stuck, as I tend to do, contemplating the concept of middle-age being the half-way point of life.

I like to think of myself as approaching middle-age, even though the odds of my having as many years ahead as I have behind me are, well… not good.

When I was under twenty years old,  I thought anyone over thirty was middle-aged. In my thirties, middle-age had shifted to anyone over forty. This phenomenon has continued until now, amazingly, middle-age begins with whatever decade I have not yet reached.

Although my concept of the middle section appears to be adjustable, three distinct stages of life are generally accepted; youth, middle-age, and elderly.

Just as there are three developmental trimesters from conception to birth preparing a person for life outside the womb, there are three trimesters of life in this world preparing us for Heaven. During the three stages we grow physically stronger during the first, more capable and productive during the middle, and gradually more enfeebled in the last, as we release our hold on our physical bodies.

Looked at from a spiritual perspective, the Christian’s born again experience could be considered a spiritual conception when the soul begins its journey of preparation for eternal life in heaven. Our spiritual development, in every stage of life, should show a steady increase in spiritual understanding, wisdom, and increased reliance on God.

Although I’m reluctant to be classified as a woman past her prime, on the spiritual track I am eagerly anticipating maturity.