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Club 54 Is Closed!

Well, the day has come. When I’m 54 is today. I don’t feel older. I mean, I’m tired, but it’s just after midnight and today was a long one. Maybe when I wake up - after having a good night’s sleep - I’ll feel worse - I’ll feel my age. On the other hand, maybe not.

This afternoon, I was honored to spend a few hours in the home of a married couple - both octogenarians - who have meant a lot to me since I first met them in the late 1900’s. They are still as awesome as I remember them to be. Totally dedicated to Jesus - totally in love with each other - totally committed to their family and totally extending grace to OTHERS. It occurs to me, as I’m writing this blog entry, that they were - pretty much - my age now, back in the day - and I’ll be where they are one day in the future, (he typed, hopefully).

In spite of this blog’s subtitle, I am on the other side of mid-life, and I forgot to have a crises. Actually, I’ve had several, but I just refer to them as a Seattle Mariners baseball season. My point is that, as is the case with all of us, I don’t know what the rest of my life holds. The amount of days, the people I’ll add to my life, those who will be subtracted, due to their own life on earth coming to its conclusion - all of it is unknown to me.

And I’m okay with that. 

In fact, I’m so glad I have no idea whatsoever, when it comes to the count or the content of my days. 

Like the couple whom I admire - the ones I spent a few hours taking to and laughing/praying with this afternoon - I want to be that octogenarian that some nearly 54-year-old Dude looks up to, marvels at, desires to emulate. 

To that end, a new beginning is called for. I plan to make the most of my 55th year (I know, I just turned 54. Simultaneously, though, I started my 55th year). 

Here I go! 

Wish me…well, I don’t really believe in luck. Wish me contentment and discipline and joy and peace and love and mission and beauty and humility and good music and righteousness and strong coffee and plenty of time with my Lovin’ One and truth and live music and a winning season for my Mariners.

The truth is, while I want the things above and I did compose a bit of a Birthday wish list this year, what I really want is all that God has for me. I don’t want more than I need and I want way less than I deserve.

You too?

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