This past weekend was one of milestones for me. Three to be exact. I’ll go from Good, to Better, to Best.
Milestone #1– Although mostly meaningless to many of you, I reached my first 20 mile ride of the season. I have slowly been building my mileage throughout this season, although it has never been this late when I have hit this marker. But life happens. A tsunami-like work schedule, weird weather (so far lots of rain), family commitments, knee issues and age (71) have all played havoc with my riding routine. It got so bad that I even road one morning this past week in 40 degree weather! I slightly under-dressed for that one and got back to the office with my hands not working very well (I couldn’t move them). This past Saturday I hit the 20 mile marker. It was a pretty good day for a ride. Hot (which I like) and a tad bit windy. But I survived. 🙂
Milestone #2– Father’s Day. 49 years ago and 44 years (almost 45) ago, I became a father. Tami and Janna have been the two blessings in my life I would never want to have been without. And then Janna blessed me with being a grandfather almost 18 years ago (October). Braden has been a highlight of my time here on earth. I realize not all can say the same about their children and grandchildren, but I thank God every day for these three gifts God gave me.
Milestone #3– This one is THE highlight of my milestones, the coup de grace of blessings. June 16, 1973 is when Jo and I were married. So yesterday, June 16th, was our 51st anniversary. We have been through a lot; have had our share of ups and downs; moved when we didn’t want to and moved when we did; celebrated the highlights and mourned the low-lights (the death of our parents for one); and we did it together. People find it incredible when I say we have never had an argument, but then I remind them we have had lots of quiet nights. 🙂 She has hopefully seen the transformation of an arrogant, opinionated, know-it-all into a man whose heart beats with love for God and for the people He has entrusted to me in my role as pastor/shepherd. At 71 I still have a passion for my work and want to continue doing this until God says, “Enough.” But more than that I want to be known as a man who loved His God first and foremost, loved his children, loved his grandson, loved the church he is now serving, but most of all, loved his wife and was an example of a godly husband, father, grandfather, pastor and man.
Will there be more milestones? I certainly hope so. But only the Father knows (and He ain’t telling). Meanwhile, I want to live my life with purpose and meaning and to live it well.
Happy Anniversary to you and a belated Happy Father’s Day, Bill! The world is a better place because dads like you have made it that way.
Blessings to Jo and you!
Thank you for those kind words Martha.
I was amazed as I read this post, Bill, at the similarities in our lives (minus the cycling). Just change the names and add two more grandchildren, and you could’ve been writing this about Dick and I. Our lives have truly been blessed, haven’t they, Bill?! I praise God with you for the lives we have shared with our spouses, children, grandchildren, and with His great family of believers. Congratulations on your Milestone weekend!
I have thought about that as I have read your= posts Pam. we are so close in age and time in ministry. Your Methodist upbringing has had you move a few more times than me but we are on track on so many other things. Thanks for the comment.
Congratulations on each of the milestones. I always forget that we share a fairly close anniversary. I am glad you listed them in order of good, better, best… Otherwise We could be having a very different conversation next year. Just kidding if course!
If there would be a next year. If Jo read it and saw me say something different? Well…let’s just not go there. 🙂
Congratulations Bill on all the milestones, you have a lot to be proud of.
Really enjoyed the sermon yesterday. Enoch’s life encourages us to have a better understanding of how to be in fellowship with God, and how to truly walk with God. What an awesome resume Enoch’s life is, to be so in tune with God that God, just brings you into heaven without dying.
John’s life is a perfect example of how God can turned our lives around, He can take our strengths that we use in the wrong way and turn them into a gift of serving the Lord. John teaches us what true love for one another looks like. John also shows us how to put God first in our lives and not to compromise God’s position in our lives.
First, thanks for the congratulations. Second, well done on a fine summary of yesterday’s sermon. 🙂