45 years ago tomorrow at 11:55pm I came into this world. That means that I was one contraction away from being born on the 11th but I digress.
Honestly when it comes to birthdays anymore I can't decide whether or not to feel festive and celebratory, or whether or not to be depressed. In all sincerity I am vacillating about every twenty minutes between giddiness and despair. "OH Boy..tomorrow is my birthday!!!" Twenty minutes later. "Tomorrow is my birthday..again? already? You can't be serious I just had one!"
Getting older in some ways is good. It makes for a great excuse. "I am getting old" gives you a pass at things you could not get away with when you were younger. You can be a little crankier and a little more forgetful without people getting upset with you....They just say, "He's getting older." It's as if the universe understands your plight as you age. I am already getting invitations in the mail to join AARP... that's a plus. I have seriously contemplated retirement. I have enough in my retirement fund to retire.....but I would have to go back to work in two months because I would be flat broke by then. With age you actually do become a little wiser and no longer have to learn everything the hard way. That's a good thing. But on the downside, every year there are things I could do before that I can't do anymore. Every year there are things I continue to do that I shouldn't do anymore (but continue to do anyway, can I get a witness?). Like trying to play my 14 year old son Davis in one on one basketball a week or two ago....I walked like the missing link for the next two days.
All in all I have to say, that if I die tonight in my sleep I have lived a charmed life. I had the most awesome parents growing up, the best brother a guy could want. He has awesome taste and married an incredible lady. They have two daughters (my nieces) that are simply two of the most precious little girls I have ever laid eyes on. I have a wonderful wife, three awesome kids, and a church family that is filled with some of the best people I know. I have the wonderful privilege of preaching the bible week in and week out to people who love God's Word and live it. (and they even pay me to do it.....isn't that awesome??) I serve with a cracker jack staff at that church along side men and women who love Jesus and are gifted to do what they do.
Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy -- meditate on these things. Philippians 4:8
Depressed or celebratory? Guess it really just boils down to how you choose to think about things. At any given point in life I have things to celebrate and things to be depressed about.
I think I have talked myself into it.......I'm choosing to celebrate.
Another awesome night of VBS tonight by the way! Special shout out tonight to those working in the Preschool Department. Don't mean to slight the rest of you, I am grateful to God for you all. I spent a little time in the two year old room tonight. We had lots of two year old's...it is truly pandamania or pandemonium.... but plenty of dedicated workers. You guys rock! Glory to the Lamb.
The boys are getting thumped in the offering battle. I think I have a sliming coming my way Thursday night.....oh well, small price to pay to motivate the kids to give to a good cause.....the real beneficiaries are the kids in Colombia who are living in poverty.
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