Kind of a “bucket list”…

being in the fourth quarter of my life affords me some privileges.    being critical tonight is one.

there’s a lot about older people that should be admired.   just making it to “old” should earn a shout out.   the ability to give wisdom and insight is right at the top of the list, too.    many older people have time and resources to share…and do it.   there’s definitely a lot more.   i’m grateful for some awesome examples of growing older that have been there throughout my life…and continue to be right now.

but there’s also some other stuff.   things that i don’t want to see creep into my life.   especially now.   things that i have seen in the lives of older people…that i don’t ever want to see in mine.

i don’t want to act like people owe me anything.

i don’t want to stop having fun.

i don’t want to stop learning.

i don’t want to stop taking risks and living by faith.

i don’t ever want to be annoyed by young people.

i don’t want to be shocked by what changes in youth culture.

i don’t want to grow legalistic, narrow-minded or judgmental.

i don’t want to stop working.

i don’t want to stop listening to loud rock and roll…without hearing aids.

i don’t want to be demanding.

i don’t want people to be afraid of offending me.

i don’t want special treatment.

i don’t want to waste my life in a recliner…unless it’s on wheels.

i don’t want to stop making a difference.

i don’t want to stop listening to people.

i don’t want my life and my opinions to be a measuring stick for anybody.

i don’t want to grow more opinionated…less would be great.

i don’t want to lose my ability to laugh at myself.

i don’t want to live in the past.

i don’t want to lose my sense of adventure.

i don’t want to be predictable.

i don’t want young people to avoid me.

i don’t want to avoid talking about dying with my boys.

i don’t want to stop pushing to grow deeper.

i don’t want to lose my passion for the kingdom.

i don’t want to grow complacent in my commitment and stale in my faith.

i don’t ever want to think i know enough…about god…about faith…about life…about discipleship.

i don’t want to stop being surprised by god.

i don’t want to grow cynical, cold, pessimistic or angry.   i could handle being slightly crotchety, tho.   i think  i already am.

i don’t want to stop thinking,  growing,  creating,  serving,  giving,  sacrificing,  singing,  or loving.

am i expecting too much?

#growingolder