80 Years
Another Day Along the Way
Friday, January 15, 2010
Another day,
When autographing books I often sign after this phrase: "enjoy the journey." When speaking to groups I frequently conclude a talk with those same three words. When counseling and teaching I seek to find what keeps so many of us from enjoying our life journeys.
What previous experiences have inhibited our efforts, damaged our dreams, scarred our inner selves, and allowed bitterness to find a dwelling place within us? What mistakes of ourselves or others continue happening - lack of forgiveness, placing blame, and refusal to accept responsibility? Why do hurts lure us toward methods of hurting others? Who controls what we do?
Yes, heavy questions. But needed. If we want to pursue new relational and emotional territory, shouldn't we identify how former worlds have frightened us and defeated us, or inspired us and accepted us? Shouldn't we gain a better understanding of why we do what we do, and why we want to become the people we seek to become?
Well, last night I watched as our youngest of three sons played basketball. This morning I talked to our oldest son as he drove north from Central Florida to South Georgia. Later today I'll drive south from North Georgia to South Georgia, in the car with my wife, our middle son and a friend. The reason? Celebrating my father's 80th birthday, we're meeting my two sisters and their families to spend time with Pops.
Think about 80 years. I honestly don't think I'll live that long. But I do like the idea of living like we might die soon while also living like we'll live many more years.
This weekend that will include memories and food and laughter and joy. Discussions of past events, conversations of ball games or tough times or favorite songs, chats about sad days and happy days.
While my family is eating and talking, take a moment to think. To rethink. To revisit your past. To refuse to let previous pains control your present moods and future goals. To forgive and move on. To visit a person or place you've avoided. To be nice to a person who has never been nice to you - and, to do that wanting and expecting nothing in return.
If you're already 80, think of what you can do between now and your 99th birthday to make your attitude and your community better. If you're riding on this rapid pace toward 20 or 30 or 40 or 80 years old, what new goals can you set? What old hurts can you release so their throbbing doesn't control your mood any longer? What unanswered prayers can you pray again and again, each time with an attitude of "not my will, but Your will"?
Well, I'm getting on the road to go south. I'll try not to bring any more luggage than what is needed for this trip.
And, as we enjoy the journey, I pray none of us continue carrying loads of unnecessary material which can rob us of truly living this thing called life.
Along the way,
Chris Maxwell
Powerful Statement: It is hard work to look beneath the services presented to us and examine the cultural and historical forces underlying current conditions.
(Kathleen Norris, Acedia & me: A Marriage, Monks, and A Writer's Life)
Friday, January 15, 2010
Another day,
When autographing books I often sign after this phrase: "enjoy the journey." When speaking to groups I frequently conclude a talk with those same three words. When counseling and teaching I seek to find what keeps so many of us from enjoying our life journeys.
What previous experiences have inhibited our efforts, damaged our dreams, scarred our inner selves, and allowed bitterness to find a dwelling place within us? What mistakes of ourselves or others continue happening - lack of forgiveness, placing blame, and refusal to accept responsibility? Why do hurts lure us toward methods of hurting others? Who controls what we do?
Yes, heavy questions. But needed. If we want to pursue new relational and emotional territory, shouldn't we identify how former worlds have frightened us and defeated us, or inspired us and accepted us? Shouldn't we gain a better understanding of why we do what we do, and why we want to become the people we seek to become?
Well, last night I watched as our youngest of three sons played basketball. This morning I talked to our oldest son as he drove north from Central Florida to South Georgia. Later today I'll drive south from North Georgia to South Georgia, in the car with my wife, our middle son and a friend. The reason? Celebrating my father's 80th birthday, we're meeting my two sisters and their families to spend time with Pops.
Think about 80 years. I honestly don't think I'll live that long. But I do like the idea of living like we might die soon while also living like we'll live many more years.
This weekend that will include memories and food and laughter and joy. Discussions of past events, conversations of ball games or tough times or favorite songs, chats about sad days and happy days.
While my family is eating and talking, take a moment to think. To rethink. To revisit your past. To refuse to let previous pains control your present moods and future goals. To forgive and move on. To visit a person or place you've avoided. To be nice to a person who has never been nice to you - and, to do that wanting and expecting nothing in return.
If you're already 80, think of what you can do between now and your 99th birthday to make your attitude and your community better. If you're riding on this rapid pace toward 20 or 30 or 40 or 80 years old, what new goals can you set? What old hurts can you release so their throbbing doesn't control your mood any longer? What unanswered prayers can you pray again and again, each time with an attitude of "not my will, but Your will"?
Well, I'm getting on the road to go south. I'll try not to bring any more luggage than what is needed for this trip.
And, as we enjoy the journey, I pray none of us continue carrying loads of unnecessary material which can rob us of truly living this thing called life.
Along the way,
Chris Maxwell
Powerful Statement: It is hard work to look beneath the services presented to us and examine the cultural and historical forces underlying current conditions.
(Kathleen Norris, Acedia & me: A Marriage, Monks, and A Writer's Life)
8 Comments:
your dad is such a character, please tell him Happy Birthday from the Rumsey's!
Living life the supposedly right way is so hard. Actually days like this make it seem impossible. But thanks for some encouraging words. Enjoy your time with your family.
I remember when you were YOUNG! But we aren't young any more.
Please tell your dad Happy Birthday!!! He gave me my first job!! I am very grateful for that opportunity ''mnay moons'' ago, his freindship and influence. I sure do enjoy your writings. Still coming to have coffee with you and dr. Moon. GOD Bless you, your family and your ministry. tombrown
yep, say hello and happy birthday to your father for me...
Enjoy happenings of things, and life. It's too late to look back after others are with The Lord.All the Best to The Maxwells as You celebrate Chris's Dads Birhtday.
What a thought??? Thanks, Chris. Have a wonderful journey, give "POPS"
a best wish for another few more, maybe many more.... all the best...Helen & Joe
Nice words CMax. Hope we can start acting that way. I need to get better at learning from what I have done wrong or right.
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