Honest Thoughts from a Pastor

When I turned 40, I told my oldest son that I’m now in the latter half of the game, and this will be the better half. A lot changed after I turned 40. I got a new job and a new church ministry. The funny thing is I’ve had a few other jobs since then and have also moved to a different church. To be honest with you, I have wondered what God is doing in this half. I can assure you that I’m learning a lot in this half. The various twists and turns have had me wondering if a mid-life crisis were around the corner.

On a serious note, someone recently asked me about men and mid-life crises. I told the lady, “It’s just an excuse for men in their 40s and 50s to do stupid things.” I would honestly love to know the psychology surrounding the subject. I have seen men do everything from buying a motorcycle to getting a tattoo to wearing clothing that doesn’t represent their age (normally involving unbuttoned shirts with a gold chain resting on their chest hair).

I do know this – this stage of life throws a lot of curveballs that the first half doesn’t throw. Kids graduate high school and potentially move away to college. Parents die. The nest starts emptying, and couples are forced to talk about things other than their kids. These events peel back the layers and force us to face reality. The dreams of our youth seem to be out of reach, and life can turn us into hardened, cynical people if we are not careful.

No wonder Solomon said in Ecclesiastes, “Remember your creator in the days of your youth.” What you practice and believe in those early years can determine if you will hold it together or fall apart when mid-life and old age hit. Knowing what you believe and why you believe it is important. The trials of life will reveal the real you.

So, how will you hold up when a crisis comes, mid-life, early in life, or late in life? May I encourage you to hold to God’s unchanging hand. Rest assured, He is holding on to you.