Today I turn 45. I only feel 25, but the mirror and my knees are starting to tell me a different story.
I think this is what many refer to as “middle age”. Looking at family history, it’s not unreasonable for me to expect to live to 90 and beyond. My Mom’s aunt Edna, the youngest of her generation, recently celebrated her 100th birthday. Longevity runs in both my Mom and Dad’s genes.
No worries about me having a mid-life crisis, though. I got that out of my system seven years ago when, among other much more foolish things, I shaved my head and got a tattoo (because a tattoo and a head shave are much more affordable than an Aston Martin DB7).
No, this year I’m stepping back, taking stock, and being truly thankful for all that God has blessed me with over the last four-and-a-half decades. An amazing wife (we celebrate our 22nd anniversary in three days), great family and friends…I sure can’t complain.
I’m also thinking about what sort of steward I’m being with those things that God has blessed me with.
There’s something about a milestone like this that seems to give things a little more substance, a stronger sense of urgency and a benchmark to build upon. So this year, I’ve set some goals.
This year, I want to adopt a healthier focus. Daily focus.
This year I’m going to cut things out of my diet that I know aren’t good for my health. No more coffee, dairy, wheat, corn or pork.
This year I’m going to read my Bible every day. My best friend Peter got me a daily Bible that has made it really simple to read through the entire Bible in a year.
This year I’m going to exercise daily. Maybe not a P90X session every day, but at least some sort of physical activity.
This year I’m not going to watch TV.
This year I’m going to pray more.
This year I’m going to listen more for what God is asking me to do. This year I may even do it.
I know that I really don’t need a milestone like this to make these decisions, set my focus and start doing them. But having this prominent start date will allow me to remember, keep track, take stock on my 46th birthday, and see just what a difference a year can make.
Heck, no need to wait until your birthday or New Year’s Day to commit. Why not join me and start today?
What sort of things would you like to do this coming year?
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{ 20 comments… read them below or add one }
Happy Birthday, Larry!
This year, I’d like to strategically plan a family missions trip for my family (and maybe others).
Jon Stolpe recently posted..Role Models
That sounds like a great adventure. I’ll be praying for you, Jon!
Happy birthday, Larry!
As I’m sure you know, your b’day coincides this year with the Jewish new year, which is a time of great introspection. We are supposed to consider all these things – apologize for our transgressions, no matter how difficult, take stock in our blessings, and think about our personal relationship with G-d.
I know that you will take these things to heart.
And I wish you (and your 45 year old knees) a wonderful birthday. I’m just a few months behind you there. But I’m right next to you, trying to be a better me, right now.
Thank you very much, Renee. Wishing you a blessed Rosh Hashanah!
Happy Birthday, Larry! I am way ahead of you in the age department, but behind you in all the healthy lifestyle choices. If I were to resolve something that wasn’t on your list, it would be to write every day. I’m not there yet, although I probably do something most days, but if my writing is to go somewhere, that has to be a priority. I’m getting better at “finding” time that doesn’t interfere with my other priorities, and working things out in my head, so that when I sit down to write, it’s all there. But that would be an area of improvement.
I also am more aware as I get older that our days are finite, and we need to make everyone count. For me, that means being thoughtful about how I spend my time, and not allowing the tyranny of the urgent to take precedence. I like accomplishing things, but that doesn’t necessarily make a successful day in God’s eyes.
Well said, Ann. Good call on the writing, too. I like that idea. I will be taking your wisdom to heart. Many thanks!
No more coffee? GASP! Okay, I bet you’re still into tea thought on account of being Canadian and such. But hey brother, happy birth to the day. So glad I know you through this here internet. Have a great day and better year my friend.
Clay Morgan recently posted..How Do I Get Published?
Thanks very much, Clay. I’m glad to know you too – can’t wait to receive and read your new book! It should be arriving here any day now. I’m not a tea drinker either…guess I’ll be sticking with plain water. Lots of that up here too, among the rocks and trees!
Happy birthday Larry!
Kevin Martineau recently posted..6 practical ways to confront people’s blind spots
Thank you, Kevin!
Happy Birthday!
I think this year I want to be able to stay focused and motivated toward those things that are most important. And I want to eat more ice cream.
seekingpastor recently posted..I’m a Rapscallion
Mmm…ice cream…
Thanks, Matt!
This year.. I would like to finally get an IPhone! My Ipod touch is so old that I can no longer download anything from Itunes.
Chris recently posted..A Church in Need
I’m a dinosaur…no cell phone, no iPod…
Maybe I should try to get up with the latest technology too!
No cell phone or ipod?? And yet.. you’re a blogger.
Something about that seems backwards Larry…
Chris recently posted..Business Blessings
Yep, nothing against technology, but I have the tendency to let it consume my attention, so I’ve been trying to keep some form of detachment from it. Like a friend of mine who worked with computers for years and refused to have one at home. Once I do give in, and I’m sure I will, I’ll have to really stay disciplined to make sure I don’t get completely absorbed by it.
I can’t judge.. my only form of TV is Rabbit Ears. If that isn’t old fashioned.. I don’t know what is…
Chris recently posted..Business Blessings
Ooh, I remember those! With two separate dials for UHF and VHF?
They’re a little different since the “digital conversion” a few years back… but I still have to sit really still because every little movement can mess up the picture. My wife had to stop ironing the other day because The Office was on.
Chris recently posted..Business Blessings