This past week one of my friends wrote on his Facebook page the following announcement concerning his fiftieth (50th) birthday:

“Alright, so now I’m on the other side of 50. Wow! I think this is the coolest age ever because I seem to be more focused on the things that matter and less on the things that don't. Here's to walking the next 50 showing mercy and walking humbly.”

I’m only two years away from the “half-century” mark and, in a strange way, looking forward to it.  It is going to be a monumental notation in the story God has crafted for me.  It will be a time to say “ok, Act I is over and now let’s move on to Act II.”  Let me move into the next chapter of life and see what I can do.

“Do not boast about tomorrow, for you do not know what a day may bring.” –Proverbs 27:1

Like my friend I think I am beginning to discover that what I thought matters in life really doesn’t amount to a “hill of beans.”  Maybe it is because God has shown me over the past five to ten years that the plans I made many years ago, the goals I set, and the stuff I sought in life are not quite the same as what He had in mind for me.  Believe me, I am at a much different place that I thought I would be twenty years ago.  And – it’s not bad.   

“And he answered, “You shall love the Lord God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind, and your neighbor as yourself.” –Luke 10:27

Part of “being in this place” revolves around relationships.  I’ve made a concerted effort to build relationships with those who I love and care for and also for those with whom I want to be in community and fellowship. The Lord is not excluded from this endeavor.  Years ago, I left many a relationship, including the one I had with God, on a trail of emptiness and self-centeredness.  I would be quick to abandon what really mattered in this life for the things “of the world” that I thought would bring me true happiness.  I so thankful my Heavenly Father gently, and at times, forcefully showed me I was on a path that led to an empty and meaningless life.  . 

So what about my Act II? How do I want the second part of my life story written?  Well, during a recent cup of coffee at Starbucks a friend asked me what I wanted to do with the rest of my life.  I said I want to “finish well.”  Does this mean more money, a better job, a nicer house?  No, I said I it really is simple – I want to grow in my relationships from here on out.  Those relationships include God, spouse, children, friends and strangers.  All in that order. That really is all that is important. 

So, that is how I want my story revealed for the days I have remaining here on this side of heaven. How about you?

Grace and peace.

JMG