I remember when my dad turned 40. There was a surprise party, some surreptitious doings to keep him from finding out, and (if I recall correctly) he was actually surprised. I don't remember if I thought then about my own eventual arrival at the age of 40. I kinda doubt it. I was 11. As they say, youth is wasted on the young, and I don't imagine I was far sighted enough at the time to contemplate the years intervening childhood and 40hood. I'm thinking about it some now though. Today is my 40th birthday. It's a bit surreal to remember a milestone like that and now to pass it myself.
But 40 is here, ready or not. And if the law of averages holds for me, I'm over half way done with life. Average life expectancy for a male in our country is 77.5 years (depending on where you look; that's CIA data for 2016). So anyone wanting to needle me for being over the hill, that ship has sailed. I went over the hill at 38.75 years, around May of 2016! What have I done with those days since my dad turned 40 (or since I was born)? In some ways a lot. In other ways, not nearly enough. So here are 40 thoughts for turning 40. Just kidding. That would be way too much. How about a few pretty miscellaneous reflections looking back over the past 40 years (or however much of it I can remember)...
The bigger question, the one I can do something about is: What will I do with what's left?
My dad isn't 40 any more, but he is still faithful to his Savior and has left in his wake a crowd of people who are the better for having known him. Including me. And my sons. And if, when my sons turn 40, the same can be said of me, I'll be grateful.
1 Comment
Phil Gates
3/4/2018 04:27:29 pm
It is good not to borrow tomorrow's trouble, for God does not promise us a tomorrow. What would life look like if we lived every day as if it were the last day of our life. What would be important? Is there anything you would do differently? Is there anything you might have said or wished you hadn't said? A word said can never be taken back, and a timely word can be of great comfort and encouragement. Today is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.
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