As I was approaching fifty years old I sought the wisdom of my elders. I sought out men and women older than I was to learn lessons on life that they had been learning.

Last Monday I began a series entitled A Treasure Chest Of Wisdom, including:

1. Don’t Hold Grudges
2. Take Care Of Your Health.
3. Compassion Makes Sense and Giving Is Better Than Taking
4. Greed Gains Momentum
5. Gratitude Leads To Contentment
6. Contentment Leads To Generosity
7. Everyone Splashes. Splash Blessings.
8. Find A Mentor
9. Why Become A Mentor?

As I was approaching fifty years old I sought the wisdom of my elders. I sought out men and women older than I was to learn lessons on life that they had been learning.

Last Monday I began a series entitled A Treasure Chest Of Wisdom, including:

1. Don’t Hold Grudges
2. Take Care Of Your Health.
3. Compassion Makes Sense and Giving Is Better Than Taking
4. Greed Gains Momentum
5. Gratitude Leads To Contentment
6. Contentment Leads To Generosity
7. Everyone Splashes. Splash Blessings.
8. Find A Mentor

“Why did you decide to become a mentor?”

As I was approaching fifty years old I sought the wisdom of my elders. I sought out men and women older than I was to learn lessons on life that they had been learning.

Last Monday I began a series entitled A Treasure Chest Of Wisdom, including:

1. Don’t Hold Grudges
2. Take Care Of Your Health.
3. Compassion Makes Sense and Giving Is Better Than Taking
4. Greed Gains Momentum
5. Gratitude Leads To Contentment
6. Contentment Leads To Generosity
7. Everyone Splashes. Splash Blessings.

A Mentor

Find a mentor for life who will help you think through important life decisions.

This week I was asked several times about turning fifty.

I was asked by twenty-somethings who now realized that I was twice as old as them. The gap that seemed more about experience than age now felt a little different.

I was asked by thirty-somethings who wondered aloud how old fifty seemed, but asked silently, “What will I be like when I’m fifty?” 

Turning 20

Twenty was the year I was going to school full-time, and working full-time, but I was spinning my wheels. When I turned twenty I had yet to make some healthy changes in my life, and the future didn’t look bright.

This weekend with a flurry of activity, a wonderful conversation-filled open house, and, as my friend Julia remarked, “the social media Birthday bandwagon”, I turned fifty.

Then, yesterday I became godfather to cute little Anika.   

It was a busy, but great weekend.

Today, I’m fifty years and two days old.

The celebrations are over, now what am I going to do with the rest of my days?

What Now?

Even as I typed that I have tears in my eyes.

I turned 50 today.

Before this year I never though much about fifty. 

As I look back, look within, and look forward I feel grateful.

– Grateful for all those who carried me in the past

– Grateful for all those who support me, encourage me and follow my example.

– Grateful for all the great role models who travel ahead of me.

God reminds us, “In the same way, younger people should be willing to be under older people. And all of you should be very humble with each other. ‘God is against the proud, but he gives grace to the humble.’ ” [1 Peter 5:5, NCV]

I’m turning 50 this week. 

I’m not yet fifty — it’s just one day away — but I thought I’d lead you through my journey, and maybe you’ll learn a thing or two that will help you on your journey.

Alone, But Not

You know how it is when you feel less alone when someone else can understand your pain?

There are days when I live like a practical atheist. 

Not that I don’t care about God, but that I don’t even think about God.

I’m turning 50 this week.

I’m not yet fifty — it’s just five days away — but I thought I’d lead you through my journey, and maybe you’ll learn a thing or two that will help you on your journey.

When I was little my favorite color was green.

Green? 

Not green, as in the color of money.

Green was the color of my Uncle Bill’s uniform (pictured on the left).

Green was the color of the hat I’m wearing in this picture.

Green was the color of my plastic soldiers.

I’m turning 50.  I’ve thought about it all year.

I’ve interviewed dozens of people over fifty to talk with them about their lives.  I’ve asked many questions, and sought many answers.  Mostly I’ve listened.  As I’ve listened I’ve heard some wonderful tales about remarkable people.

I’m not yet fifty — it’s just days away — but I thought I’d lead you through my journey, and maybe you’ll learn a thing or two that will help you on your journey.

I Wanna Be A Hero

Over and over again I daydreamed of being a hero.

I’m ten days away from turning 50!
Fifty?!?
50!
It seems almost surreal. 

When I was in elementary school I fantasized about heroically saving a classmate.

When I was in junior high I fantasized about being the kind of guy who could get a great girlfriend.

When I was in high school I fantasized about having a perfect sexual relationship.

When I was dating Amy I fantasized about having a perfect marriage.

When we had our kids I fantasized about being a perfect parent.

I wanted it all.