by Jonathan

To be fair, I’m probably closer to the end than the beginning. And if the CDC’s stats are correct, being 45 years old places me well beyond the halfway point for the average American male (it’s 76.5 years). I don’t feel old, and my goal is not to be too macabre, but if you’ll allow it, I’d just like to share some reflections from this side of things.

Perhaps they’ll remind you, or help you, or clarify some things. In whatever case, and for whatever they’re worth, here are some musings from the middle…

1. You will need the Psalms more than you know.

2. Seasons of doubt will come and may keep coming – this is normal and need not be terrifying.

3. Education is never wasted.

4. Beauty matters a lot.

5. Work hard and build something wonderful, then be prepared to realize that that was only the 1st Mountain (Brooks), the 1st Half (Rohr). There is so much more.

6. Read widely, both chronologically and geographically.

7. Be where your feet are.

8. Remember the orienting reality of eternity.

9. Realize that much additional suffering results from our unwillingness to accept the regular pain and suffering of normal life.

10. Seasons are not the same thing as ages.

11. Look for the people you want to be like and then spend more time with them.

12. Grow with your children.

13. Say yes to lots of things when you are young, but know that the better you get at anything, the more you will need to say no. If you don’t learn the goodness of a no, all the wisdom and expertise you gained from saying yes will be diluted.

14. Not everyone who speaks with confidence knows what they’re talking about.

15. Accept book recommendations and music recommendations from your children.

16. Don’t ever stop playing.

17. Read Chesterton.

18. Adore God.

19. Love people.

20. Walk boldly. All will be well.

“Expect the end of the world. Laugh. Laughter is immeasurable. Be joyful though you have considered all the facts.” ~ Wendell Berry