40: The Next Chapter Starts Here
Today, I bid farewell to my 30s. At about 6:00am this morning (May 3), I cross the threshold into my 4th decade of life. I’m not one who usually gets hung up on the numbers. Whether I was turning 26 or 39 never really mattered much to me. I’ve long recognized that a person’s age is one of the least effective ways to measure their value, character or potential. I know plenty of folks in their 50s and 60s who live like immature teenagers while there are some I know in their early 20s whom I’d literally give the keys to my business or church if I could.
Age truly is “just a number.” However, something about turning 40 is hitting me in a way no other birthday ever has. I think I know why.
First, I vividly remember planning and participating in my mom’s 40th birthday party. Her 40th was such a BIG birthday in my mind. In my sophomoric mind, my mom was “old” (sorry, mom. You’re not old. It’s strange the way you’ve stayed 40 all these years!). Recalling my mom’s 40th birthday so clearly while hitting it myself is creating within me a strange emotional paradox. How can I be 40 when that’s still the age at which I see my parents in my mind?
Second, and more poignantly, I loved my 30s. This decade has been the greatest decade of my life. Erin and I celebrated years 9-19 of our marriage in our 30s and continue to grow closer with each passing year. While our daughter, Charlotte, was technically born just prior to my 30th birthday, my 30s will forever be defined as the decade I fully embraced and grew into the title of father, or “daddy,” as the kids prefer.
My 30s marked incredible professional growth as well. I separated from the military, took on my greatest pastoral role as the Lead Pastor of The Hills Church at 31 years old, and fully embraced the amazing benefits found in bivocational ministry and leadership. I launched and led a successful business in my 30s. I discovered my affinity for elder care and serving those in the latter chapters of life. I completed my second graduate degree, an MBA with a concentration in leadership, just last year. I ran for office and was even elected to serve as city council president for a while.
Personally, we bought and sold a few houses in pursuit of our “forever home” in our 30s. We started and have become quite adept at homeschooling our incredibly smart and creative young students. We explored parts of the world most our age only dream about.
The 30s were good to me. I learned a lot about the way God created me. I discovered a host of strengths to be leveraged and weaknesses to be overcome. I mastered some skills and learned some interesting new ones. I’ve grown as a leader, a pastor and caregiver, as well as a father and a husband. Overall, I’m proud of the past decade of my life and the man these years enabled me to become.
As I look forward to the next decade of my life, I anticipate similar professional and personal growth. As I consider my goals for the coming years, it’s daunting to consider that this decade will conclude with my oldest child turning 20. Without getting too specific, I have some personal health goals to achieve if I intend to fully enjoy my children as they grow. I am prepared and intend to pursue greater professional leadership opportunities in both business and ministry. This will be a decade of even greater adventures, taking bolder risks, and leveraging as much of the skills and gifts God has provided us to make an eternal difference in the world around us.
I’m excited to begin this new chapter of life. My greatest prayer is that I never grow complacent or comfortable. I hope to be used by God in ways I cannot even possibly imagine right now and trust He will continue to be faithful in this regard. May I be an even more committed husband and dedicate father than I already am. May the mark my family and I leave on this world grow exponentially. Whatever comes, whatever crazy ideas come to fruition, you can be sure I’ll share updates here and on my socials linked below.
Welcome 40. Let’s see what you have in store!