2013 is my 60 and 40 year--lived 60 years, married 40. Having reached the mid-point of this transitional year, and having a day off after Independence Day, I became "reflective."
I don't consider myself to be a "senior citizen" (big surprise) but I'm guessing most younger folks are thinkin' that way about me (rightly!)...in much the same way I thought about "60 Something's" back in 1978. While I don't "see" myself that way now, truth is, I can certainly see "that place" from here.
Life is so much shorter than I ever imagined it would be, and so much more than I ever dreamed it could be. My cup isn't half-full, it overflows..
- In High School a guy named Mark Zier walked into my life and lovingly led me to a life-changing decesion to trust Christ; then he introduced me to a girl who eventually became my for-life companion.
- I have been blessed by that girl, Laura Cherrie, who became my wife (we were both 19), help-mate, mother of and for our children, my best friend and companion, for 40 years and counting!
- Neither of my parents were college grads and when the time came for me to enroll, my father died; there was no money for higher education. God provided, first at Duke where I received my BA and then at Talbot Seminary where I earned an MDiv, without any student loans.
- God blessed us with two children. Erin and Joseph have made me so proud because of the people they have become; honest, engaging, generous, interesting, good-hearted young adults; and two of my closest friends.
- Our kids selected two wonderful people to share their lives with, Matthew and Miranda. They have enriched our lives in so many ways.
- We have two grandsons. Braden and Kellen make us laugh, give us hope for their future, love us in a special way unique to our role in their lives and enjoy hanging-out with us.
- I have enjoyed two modestly successful careers centered around helping people; for 25 years as their Pastor, and for the last 12, I'm the "good neighbor" that takes the "scarey" out of risk as their State Farm Agent.
- Over the years I've witnessed lives change in long-term, very profound ways; I played a part in that process as a tool in the Master's Hand; what a privilege those moments of been.
- While I have experienced disappointment and (big surprise) betrayal in and from friends, my life has been enriched because of folks who've come alongside and embraced me (changed me) with their friendship.
- I have traveled with people through the most difficult intersections of life, prayed with them and waited; then watched God do what only He can do..."exceeding, abundantly beyond anything we could ask or imagine."
- Laura has loved me and patiently waited for me to become the man she needed and so richly deserves.
- The roles (my work) I have chosen to invest my energy in, have been challenging and rewarding. Not once have I felt trapped doing what has been my life's work. It's been too much fun!
- My girlfriend's dad, (future father-in-law) stepped into my life as the man I needed when, at age 17, my father died. Gene continues to be a rock for me.
- Mentors invested time and tears in me; taught me, listened to me and believed in me.
- Life has softened me. Tenderness comes easy today.
I am blessed by a rich tapestry of memories, some good and not. These confirm what most people eventually realize: there are regrets, there are a few special people and scores of wonderful events; these images remain clear to the smallest detail, I'm smiling.
There has been failure, good fortune and difficulty; pain, lost dreams, heartbreak and victory. But through it all runs a story; my story, of God's grace transforming me, using me, teaching me and most amazingly, loving me with an everlasting, undeserved love.
Life, so short and so full. Praise God from whom all blessings flow.
