HELP!

Celebrated my year 68 this week; 48 shared with Laura as my beloved. In this photo, taken in 1969, about one-month into our dating relationship, Laura was 15, I'd just turned 16. I remember that day like it happened yesterday.

Reflecting on life at 68, I am reminded, again, about the plaintive message in the Beatles hit, released that same year, Help. 

It occurs to me, what a tremendous insight that song had into what happens to us as we move into the final third of our lives, seen through the eyes of those five young men. Hence the plaintive nature of the song.

In fact, from this "68 years" side of the time continuum, I realize that life today is filled with tradeoffs. While I can't "do it all" anymore, the tenderness in this season, as Laura, our kids, and friends stand in the gaps, is profound. 

The Fab-Five had it figured out in 1969. They just didn't realize the light at the end of the tunnel was a train, coming to pick them up and carry them into a new more content chapter. 

Life is certainly different. It's definitely sweeter.  The challenge remains the same, clearly recorded by the prophet Micah, "...do justice, love kindness, and walk humbly with God." [Micah 6.8]

Leaning into my weakness, only to discover God's strength is transformational; the humility that comes with interdependence is liberating; my life, hidden with Christ, in God. This is the constant that will NEVER change. 

Thanks be to God for our blessed hope.  

Life is fast.

Livitwell!