The Years Roll By

Made in ’66. That’s how many of us in my circle are branded this year. We’ve been celebrating the arrival of this new season. I am humbled that God saw it fit to bless us with 60 revolutions around the sun. Some have chosen to go low keyed, others have sounded the trumpet and brought out the bells and whistles. The dancing shoes have been dusted off, the knees have been greased and the joints seemed to have been well-oiled. Some dared to bend low knowing fully well they would need help to get back up – others chose not to risk it. I believe in risking it!

With all the fun, laughter, and jubilating, I took a moment to reflect on why I embrace this season with such gratitude and keen awareness. First, we didn’t get here by ourselves. I think we are aware of that. There are mountains of cheerleaders and witnesses who watched and supported us in the good and bad days. Some acted as scaffolding – they were temporary fixtures; there for just a season. They helped us to navigate those moments when we were vulnerable, unsure and even afraid. Some showed up when no one else did. I see them as God’s hands extended. Their guidance, words of wisdom and even their silence, spoke volumes. We say thank you – where ever you are. Glad you came along – we celebrate you.

Then there are the ‘Day Ones’ and the ‘Ones who Stayed’. Thank you. Many are still here. They’ve been with us in the trenches and in the huddles. Dried some tears and did some heavy lifting for us in the tough times. Never could have made it without them. They are God’s special gifts to us. Some have transitioned and left a gaping hole in our hearts – never to be forgotten. God in His wisdom knew we needed these souls as our sidekicks, plus-ones and roadside anchors. They have added much meaning, depth and flavor to this pilgrimage.

So the years are rolling by whether or not we like. I pray we have have gotten to love this version 2.0. One thing I’ve learned is we can always make adjustments. If we are breathing with no cognitive decline, we can correct many missteps of the past. There’s much healing in forgiveness and letting go. Often it may require us to look at life from a new perspective. Scriptures often speaks of a renewed mind. A place where we allow God in to redirect our thinking, often leading us to heathier thinking patterns. Walk a block in someone else’s shoe. Be open to breaking the bloody cycle. If not for you, maybe for the generation coming behind.

So now, we roll on into 60 carrying the deep insights and lessons learned on that road to today. I’d love to think that this blend of bitter and sweet is all a part of God’s grand design. These are accumulated experiences that I wouldn’t trade for anything. As we move closer to the winter days – may we never lose purpose. I pray we discover what truly matters and make amendments as needed. May we indeed ‘leave footprints on the sands of time’ – a lasting legacy. Here’s what a wise King once penned:

‘Honor and enjoy your Creator while you’re still young,
Before the years take their toll and your vigor wanes,
Before your vision dims and the world blurs
And the winter years keep you close to the fire… Dear friend, go easy. There’s no end to the publishing of books, constant study wears you out so you’re no good for anything else. The last and final word is this:

Fear God.
Do what He tells you…’

[ Excerpt from Ecclesiastes 12, MSG]