In less than nine months, I am turning 50 years old.

Where most people look at this milestone  with dread, I am actually looking at the days leading up to my birthday as preparation for the launch of the rest of my life.  I am not down – I am energized to see what happens next.  Here are some of the things I am doing to prepare for the next chapter.

I want to know God more.  I have learned so much about God over the years.  I want to build a deeper relationship with Him.  I am learning so much from praying and spending time listening to God.  Men in my small groups share what God’s words means to them and I grow.  I hear stories of people’s lives with God and I am humbled how He works.

I want to be healthy and strong.  I used to say that I want to be physically able to do whatever my kids wanted to do.  I have swam, biked, run, played basketball, done Crossfit, skied, hiked, lifted, pushed and pulled in keeping up with three active kids (and one amazing wife.)  Now, I want to be able to do whatever my grandkids want to do.  Easy now – we go to the playground, wrestle and go for wagon rides.  They are growing up…I know that round two of the list above is coming soon. I want to do it all.

I want to be a vibrant pastor and leader.  When I became a pastor at 22, I never dreamed of the journey that has led me to so many people and Grace Family Church.  I feel like I am coming into my best years leading with wisdom, maturity, character and integrity.  I have paid the price to gain these things.  A foundational lesson – Leadership comes with a price tag…it is going to cost you.  Yet, I still want to have that sense of wonder and humility.  Leading people in their relationship with God is humbling.  Empowering others is so fulfilling and exciting when you see someone else “hit the Home Run!”  There are so many people to reach with God’s love –lots of ministry to be done.

I want to walk out peace, contentment and fun.  In my early years, I strove to achieve and it cost me.   In the last ten years, I have found peace with how God sees me and who I am to Him.  I am content to do the best I can at something, realizing that the results might not always meet my expectations.  Finally, I am having more fun than ever before.  Not by doing the Big things, but by the little things.  I am amazed at how much I love being a grandparent.  I really enjoy walking a round of golf by myself.  I still love it when Kristin laughs at something.  We both enjoy exploring places when we travel.  I love writing stories, thoughts, quotes and leadership lessons – articulating what you feel causes me to grow.   A day sitting on the beach, reading a book, and a bag of trail mix…gold!

I don’t have much time…I will turn 50 in a matter of months.  As the phrase goes – “So much to do, so little time.” Let the countdown begin!