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.

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

Instead of focusing on what we don’t have, it’s important to be grateful for the amazing gifts we already have.

Loving family
Faithful friends
Good health

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.

I’m thinking through what this means for me today, tomorrow, and my tomorrows.

What does the Lord your God require of you?
He requires only that you
fear the Lord your God,
and live in a way that pleases him,
and love him
and serve him with all your heart and soul.
- Deuteronomy 10:12, NLT

What’s surprised you this week?

Last Saturday I read that a Nevada state law was approved which will allow people to own and operate driverless cars. A driverless car is a vehicle equipped with an autopilot system, which is capable of driving from one point to another without input from a human operator.

The proposed advantages include:
* to avoid accidents
* increase safety by eliminating driver error.
* increasing roadway capacity by reducing the distances between cars
* reduce congestion by efficiently controlling the flow of traffic
* relieving vehicle occupants from driving and navigating chores, so allowing them to concentrate on other tasks like talking on the phone or texting or to rest during their journeys.

I Love Dragonflies!

I know some people are afraid of them, but I love them.

Every year while whitewater rafting I look forward to the areas of the river where the dragonflies fly.

I love when they hover near me.
I don’t often sit still, but I will when I think they’ll land near me.  I want a better look.
I love their beautiful colors — red, yellow, green and blue of stunning beauty.
Their translucent wings defy gravity.
Their eyes capture an amazing amount of information.
I love their curiosity. And, I am entranced by their gentleness.