50 and Climbing

This weekend I’ll turn fifty. I’ve always enjoyed my birthday; not so much the celebration but rather the thought of getting older, of hopefully getting wiser and becoming a better person, someone who is increasingly living in the understanding of how to to live a good life, a life that pleases God and serves others. I’ve never looked back and wanted to be a certain age again – I’d not mind my thirty year old body but I’m glad I’m not that same person anymore. Timothy Keller once said that, “Your future self will always see your present self as unwise, immature and foolish. That means you are currently a fool.” It’s a helpful perspective to carry as it keeps humility at the top of a persons mindset.

Mostly I’m excited to have made it this far, to realize that life remains an adventure, that I am mostly still healthy and active. I’m still learning and growing and enjoying life. I’m still hopeful and encouraged that, in Christ, my life is filled with purpose and meaning and is more often that not, fulfilling. I have few regrets. My wife is amazing, my kids are both great. Fifty is good and I’m excited to cross over on Sunday.

It seems a bit strange, but I am happy that I am not too bothered by the reality that I am now mostly likely closer to my death than my birth. I doubt I’ll have another fifty years; I could of course, but I doubt it. Every day is sacred, they all have been when you think about it, but with aging this fact sets in as a more tangible reality.

Here’s to fifty. Here’s to the climb. I pray it keeps going up, that I continue to see the hope in every moment holy, that my life shines as it ages and that I see the goodness of God in all that comes my way.

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