I turned fifty last Thursday. At one point in my life, fifty seemed really old. I remember several of my teachers from my elementary, middle school and high school who were fifty. I thought they were old and out of touch and stuck in their ways. I remember church members and neighbors who were over fifty and I thought they seemed tired and out of style. Fifty seemed to be that point of life when people got old and slowed down. Fifty used to seem really old.
Fifty doesn’t seem old anymore.
As I enter my fifties, I don’t “feel old”. I have energy and feel pretty good. I still have goals and dreams that I want to pursue. Someone asked me the other day if fifty made me think about retirement and that phase of life coming up. It hasn’t made me think about retirement. I still love what I do and can’t imagine not being involved in church ministry as a minister. I still have things I want to experience and accomplish in ministry, and I hope God will allow me to accomplish and experience them at Fairlane. I minister at His call, and I hope that call continues for a long time to come!
Misty’s dad, Harry, used to say that “age is just a number”. As I enter my fifties, I’m embracing this philosophy more and more. As long as I have good health and the ability to serve, learn, share and enjoy the blessings of family, church community and the blessing of friends, I’m going to savor and enjoy each year that I’m allowed to live. Life is truly a gift. I’m thankful for the gift of this life and can’t wait to experience the eternal life to come. Until then, this life will continue to be a blessing to me.
A lot has happened in this world in the last fifty years. I remember the explosion of the space shuttle Challenger and the sorrow that accompanied that tragedy. I remember the Gulf War and the tension of that conflict. I remember 9/11 and the attack on our country that changed so much for us. I’ve lived through political scandals, the growing immorality of our culture, continued racial tensions, political divisions and a pandemic. I’ve seen the pain and struggle that this life can present.
Yet, I’ve also experienced the joys and blessings of this world. I’ve enjoyed being married and sharing life with Misty. Being Davidson’s dad has been a blessing and God has taught me so much through this relationship. I’ve been blessed with great friends, loving church communities and the ability to travel and see parts of this country and world that amaze and delight me. There has been so much to savor and enjoy over the past fifty years.
Fifty doesn’t seem old. There is still a lot of life left to live. Whether you are fifty, ninety, thirty or a teenager, I hope you are looking forward to the life you have left. As long as you are breathing, God has a plan and a purpose for you. Enjoy the blessings he offers you each day and savor this precious life as you look forward to the eternal life that awaits.
Life is good and sweet because our Father is good and sweet. I’m thankful for this life. Fifty isn’t old at all.
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