When Michael Levine turned 40, panic first set in. But then he jotted down some valuable lessons — lessons on what really matters in life.

    An old scout manual tells what to do when you’re lost: “Stop. Investigate. Go over everything you know. Continue forward if you’re certain of your route. And be sure to leave a note.”

    When Michael Levine reached the half-way point in his life, he came across this manual. It seemed so fitting for his stage of life. From his reflections, he wrote a book on lessons he’s learned his first 40 years. Here are four of them:

• Nothing is as stressful as trying to be a different person from whom you are.
• If you don’t personally get to know people from other racial or religious groups, it’s easy to believe ugly things about them.
• Some men spend more time maintaining their lawns than their relationships.
• Decide early in any situation exactly what your bottom line is, then stick to it.

Nothing is as stressful as trying to be a different person from whom you are.

    Perhaps you’re at a critical stage in life. Slow down your pace and ask yourself this question: Is the focus of my life centered on the things of this world, or on the Lord Jesus Christ? Take time out this week to prayerfully study the manual for life in the Spirit — God’s Holy Word. Psalm 39:4 says, “Show me, 0 LORD, my life’s end and the number of my days; let me know how fleeting is my life.”

    If you feel lost, you can always return to the open arms of our Heavenly Father. Let Christ guide your remaining years with passion for Him and service to others.