As I stand at the edge of 2012, I have a few new thoughts
about life. January 7th, I turn 51 – an age I never would have
believed I would reach when I was 21. Things change when we realize that we are
more than ½ of a century old! Some of those things for me are:
1.
If I had known I was going to live this long, I
would have taken better care of myself. Even though in my mind I think I can
still do the things I did in my 20s and 30s, my body is quick to tell me
something totally different.
2.
I realize that I am living in the last days of
my life. But, that’s okay. I’m not depressed about it, just more aware of the
preciousness of each day. And like one person said, “The game is won in the
second half, not the first half”. It’s more important how you finish than how
you begin.
3.
Some folks think that age equals righteousness.
However, I have found that the longer I live, the more I realize how far away
from God’s righteousness I truly am. And that awareness makes me more grateful
for the grace of God in my life.
4.
I now value the input of others in my life more
than ever before. At a younger age, I didn’t quite believe that I needed
others. I felt as though I could do everything myself. Looking back on the
numerous mistakes I have made – and they are many – I now realize the
importance of the wisdom, advice, and guidance of others.
5.
I am much more appreciative of my wife. After 28
years of marriage, I realize that I have spent more time with her than any
other person on the planet. Without her, I would be lost! She completes me and
I am thankful to God for blessing me with such a wonderful soul mate.
6.
I think less about how much I want to get
accomplished and more about how I can pour my life into younger people so that
God can accomplish what He wants to do thru them.
7.
I value my church more than ever before. I can
now see that God has surrounded me with people with whom I can truly experience
life. Things haven’t always been all fun and roses – in fact, some years have
been like hell! But thru it all, I am beginning to realize that the people of the
family of faith were put in my life by God as part of His plan to shape and
mold me according to His plan for me.
8.
I can see more clearly than ever before, that
God doesn’t put us in any church so that we can get our religious
entertainment. But rather that we find the part He wants us to play in reaching
those who have no hope or relationship with Jesus Christ.
These are just a few thoughts. I’m
sure there are many more things you could add. Lynn and I pray that you all
have a blessed Christmas and a wonderful New Year! I’m excited about what God
has in store for us in 2012!
