Three Stages of Life: Ages 35-55, Part 1
Every person goes through three stages in their lives. The exact age in which a person moves from one stage to the next will vary with the individual, but everyone goes through these stages at some point in their lives.
From Ages 35-55: The Contributing Years, Part 1
The years between 35 and 55 are filled with hectic schedules and relentless demands. People work long hours hoping to advance in their chosen careers. They come home exhausted to face the challenges of parenting and keeping the romance alive in their marriages. They often feel confused and begin to wonder, “Is this is all there is to life?”
The shift may be triggered by several life reversals. A close friend or parent may die unexpectedly. The company may downsize and suddenly the individual is out of a job. The person may go through a divorce and abruptly be facing life alone. Or the “baggage” from the first half of life may become too burdensome. Whatever the reason, the focus shifts from answering the question, Who am I?” to clarifying purpose by asking oneself, “Why am I here?”
The greatest dangers in this stage of life are plateauing and dabbling. Plateauing happens when people reach a certain point in life and they choose to go no further. It can happen in any aspect of life – in their career, marriage, parenting, and ministry. People settle for where the status quo and lose the desire to go further. These people are the ones who rust out.
Other people spread themselves so thin that they have limited impact in any one area. They are involved in some many activities that they cannot possibly keep up with the pace for long. These are the people who burn out.
Dr. Steve Lake is a retired educator with over 30 years experience in the American public schools. He has served in a variety of position, including teacher, elementary school principal, junior high principal, Associate Superintendent, retired from public education as Superintendent of Schools in Lincolnwood, IL. He has his Bachelors, Masters and Doctor of Education degrees from Northern Illinois University. For the past 25 years Steve has attended and been a member of Willow Creek Community Church in South Barrington and Northfield, IL. At Willow Creek Steve has taught adult classes on spiritual gifts, life purpose, and spiritual disciplines. He has ministered overseas in Angola, Zambia, Honduras, Germany, and Russia. Steve is co-founder of Designed to Serve, a ministry that equips Christians to live out their unique God-given calling. Steve is married and has two adult children who are married.
