“Growing Up, Going Bald: Reflections Off the Top of My Head”
I think this will be the title of my autobiography. I always saw the wisdom of Jimmy Buffet, (not Warren Buffet though he is wise too). His insight was, “I’m growing older but not up.”
This week I am coming to grips with some of the realities of life and my need to embrace a few limitations. I am going to set aside any thoughts of being a professional football, baseball, or NBA basketball player. It probably isn’t going to happen. Neither will a long successful career on the pro golf tour. Though I remember when I announced in church that I had turned 50 and was now ready for the ‘Champions Tour.’ Then I realized it was necessary to actually have game. Oh well.
While I’m at the limitation game, I better let you know that I’m setting aside the dream of being rock/ country music star. I’m setting aside the bright lights, cheering fans, tough life on the road, and huge record contracts. Growing up I had assumed I would be the amalgam of Kris Kristofferson and Mick Jagger. Oh well.
What does that leave? Are there any dreams to pursue? What can a person do who is growing older but not up? Plenty!
In I Corinthians 13, Paul writes of putting away childish things, and responding to life as a grown person. There is wisdom in these words. For myself, I think: Now that I’m free from all that I didn’t do, I am free for all that I will do.
This week, Eileen and I are going to participate in a two day ‘life transition’ program. It will involve assessment and evaluation of experiences, gifts, skills, values, to help us move toward the future, with better understanding and shared commitment. I will let you know if it turns out as good as we hope. If it’s a bomb I’ll let you know that as well.
So here I go, taking steps of faith that look a lot like the steps of faith I had to take at every stage of my life. Maybe that’s the way God planned it.
By the way, a few days ago at our Minikahda Country Club, I shot three birdies in a row for the first time and actually played some pretty good golf. Will I make it on the Champions tour? Naw. But I had a good day with a good friend, who after losing to me, went and signed up for lessons. Oh well.
Have a great day!
