THREE-SCORE & 13

I remember when I thought 73 was really old. Now that I’m there—as of last week—it’s just old.

At 23: I was starting my career as an engineer and getting married to my first and still-wife, Dottie.

At 33: I was building a career in marketing (I wasn’t that good of an engineer) and parenting two young daughters.

At 43: I had transitioned to finance and my daughters were teenagers.

At 53: I was serving as the president/CEO of our company, was overcommitted, and came home to an “our life is berserk” comment from Dottie. I had to learn how to say “no.”

At 63: I was serving my church fulltime and was now the “Papa” of three grandsons.

At 73: I am a “semi-retired” speaker, author, and coach, and getting ready to gratefully celebrate 50 years with Dottie.

There are a lot of gaps in the above summary—mostly a lot of HARD LESSONS. I have learned that:

Everything to the left of the “and” is not as important as the things to the right.
God’s favor is more important than experience, education, effort, etc. I have lived and worked with it and without it. “With it” is much easier.
My family—loving them and making them feel loved—is more important than any position, title, or honor that the world offers.
Relationships—not accomplishments—are what really matter.
Receiving and extending forgiveness—to/from others and self—is the only way to be relationally, spiritually, and emotionally healthy,
My biggest lesson: The mind of man plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps. (Proverbs 16:9) There isn’t much about my life that is a result of great planning on my part.

I realize now that what I leave is more important than what I have. I am not talking about a legacy of accomplishments, but a life of purpose. So however much longer God gives me, it is “well done” from Him and my family that is of utmost importance to me:

I have as my ambition…to be pleasing to Him.” 2 Corinthians 5:9

(I’ll get back to leadership in my next post.)

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