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Reaching Half a Century
By John W. Kennedy | April 30, 2008
Today is a milestone for me. The big 5-0.
I reach this point in life with mixed emotions. On the one hand, the toughest assignments in life—going to college, starting a career, raising a family—are behind me. On the other hand, the carefree days of youth—eating whatever I want, being able to play five sets of tennis and not really feeling the effects of weather extremes—are long gone, too.
Still, this is a great time in life. My sons are all in their 20s and making their own educational and vocational decisions. It’s a blessing to be able to talk to them as adults about buying a house or choosing a job instead of disciplining them for driving too fast or staying out too late.
Throughout most of history, the odds of reaching 50 have been slim. Under Mosaic law I would have been forcibly retired as a Levite. In our youth-obsessed culture in 2008 I’m no longer a coveted 18-49 demographic in the Nielsen ratings.
On the bright side, a person at 50 today very well might have decades of productive living left. My favorite singer, 67-year-old Neil Diamond, performs on American Idol tonight from a new album on which he wrote all the songs. Presumptive Republican presidential nominee John McCain will be 72 by the time of the GOP convention. At 85, comic book creator Stan Lee still does cameos in movies about superheroes. Announcer Don Pardo is still going strong at 90!
Rather than feelings of nostalgia or melancholy, Scripture looks to the Lord for help as we age. “Teach us to number our days aright, that we may gain a heart of wisdom,” Psalm 90:12 says.
As we age we realize we won’t be here forever. And that means make every day count for eternity. What am I doing today that will improve the world around me in the name of Christ?
Topics: aging |
April 30th, 2008 at 8:24 am
Happy Birthday, John! I especially like your last paragraph. Its a good reminder of why each one of us are here and how important it is we ask ourselves: What I am doing today … in the name of Christ? I’ll try to let that thought enter on a more conscious level into my plans and decisions and activities … hopefully not just today but as a daily habit. Thanks for your good words.
May 3rd, 2008 at 9:57 am
Happy Birthday!!
I am proud to have shared so many of those years as your friend and look forward to more years in this and the next life.