For the first part of this year, my focus has been primarily on cancer treatment, but at my birthday (earlier this month) I was able to turn a corner. In fact, turning 66 has given me a good many new things to think about. Every birthday carries a new level of importance in these days. I decided it might be helpful to write these reflections down as a way to mark this moment.
1. God is always merciful
2. I’m both a sinner and a saint
3. Marriage to the right person is amazing
4. Doing meaningful things is all-important
5. Life is difficult for everyone
6. Long-term friendships are a rare treasure
7. We were made for a purpose
8. Health and fitness matters – a lot
9. No joy like seeing your kids succeed
10. Prayer changes things (and me)
11. Those who grieve well, live well
12. Encourage people
13. Stop and appreciate beauty
14. Good sleep matters more than we think
15. Look people in the eye
16. Hugs have healing power
17. God gives us as many chances as we need
18. Ask for and extend forgiveness
19. Pay attention to promptings
20. You don’t need to exaggerate
21. Hang around people who help you laugh
22. Deep conversations are good for the soul
23. Celebrate birthdays with enthusiasm
24. Understand how your past affects today
25. Know your values and live them
26. Remember, it’s not all about you
27. Process your emotions maturely
28. Build self-awareness
29. Remain teachable
30. Advocate for yourself
31. The Bible is authoritative – and I need it!
32. Watch how you say what you say
33. It’s OK to be different
34. Walk barefoot in the grass
35. Don’t stop reading
36. Be a rebel for righteousness sake
37. Create a budget and stick to it
38. Write thank-you notes
39. Develop a taste for good art
40. Risk saying nice things to people
41. Risk saying hard things to people
42. Stay mentally tough
43. Fast and pray
44. Let music move you
45. Make room for silence and solitude
46. Don’t let lust get the best of you
47. Share the credit
48. Work for God’s applause
49. Repentance is a life-long work
50. Cancer sucks!
51. Trust slowly
52. Pursue wisdom
53. Learn from history
54. Greedy is ugly
55. Listen more that you talk
56. Choose good heroes
57. Dress appropriately
58. Careful how you judge
59. Don’t assume you know
60. Surround yourself with good people
61. Respect your sabbath
62. Stay curious
63. Qualify critiques with affirmations first
64. Prioritize the kingdom investments
65. Don’t be afraid to say, “I love you”
66. Enjoy your life!!
