Monday, April 24, 2006

turning 50

Today I join Our Daily Bread (published where I work at RBC Ministries; booklets made on our team's lines) in turning 50 this month.

It is a little scary as you more and more realize that the days marked for you are less and less. More than anything else, for me it is a time of thanksgiving and reflection.

God's goodness and faithfulness over the years has been manifest to me and to us, through some difficult times. Sure, I wish I would have had the faith and understanding to have better realized the vocation through gifts God has given me. But I am thankful for the vision he is giving us and his faithfulness to my wife Deb, daughter Tiffany and myself. As we continue on this walk by faith.

I guess I'm passing the appearance in age of Jesus when he was here on earth (John 8:57). Though I hope that in heart and life, by grace I am beginning to better resemble him. In everything, I hope to have the daily face to face encounters with God through the face of Christ, and so, not only be able to make it through another day, but more, to be changed increasingly into his image in my demeanor and life (2 Cor 3,4).

God, Thank you for these years on earth. And for your goodness to me in so many ways. Let me reflect your goodness and glory in the days you have left for me. In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

4 comments:

Anonymous said...

Scot and I wish you a very happy birthday. We have both experienced the big 5-0, so we know how you feel! I hope your wife and daughter have helped to make it a special day.

Ted M. Gossard said...

Thanks Kris and Scot! Yes, they both did. We had a great time together.

elaine x said...

happy birthday!
>>it is a little scary as you more and more realize that the days marked for you are less and less>>

perhaps, not so scary if you wake up knowing that today is the only day you have truly been given to live ... worry about dying when you are through with living ...

enjoy 50!
peace & harmony,
elaine
'freedom must be exercise to stay in shape!'

Ted M. Gossard said...

Elaine,

Good point. I look at it being scary in terms of days I have to live. Not in terms of death itself. I want to really live those days well, is my point, I believe.

blessings,
Ted