I am keenly aware that I am not a young man anymore. Two exhausting days at Disneyland was a great reminder of that. I have aches and pains in places that I would not have expected and I feel like it will take me several days to fully recuperate from the trip.
I take regular medications for blood pressure, cholesterol, migraines, and vitamin supplements. My doctor recently told me that I have a mild case of arthritis in my knees and lower back and that I need to lose weight. The aging process itself is not fun or pretty. But inside I still feel relatively young!
In spite of all this, I truly believe I am living in the best of times. These are the best years of my life for several reasons. As a Christian, I do not fear what lies ahead of me and I live with the joy of knowing that my future is secure and settled. My children and my grandchildren are the joys of my life and I love each moment that I get to spend with them.
I am excited, as the time draws near, for permanent retirement from full-time work so that I will be free to travel and visit with family and friends as often as I want. My wife is truly my best friend and I long to have more time with her and get back the time that was sacrificed during my working years. She was the best Marine wife and Bureau wife and I appreciate her love and support more than she could ever know.
This getting older thing has its disadvantages for sure, but I have so much from the past to be thankful for and so much in my future to look forward to. I am in a great place at this moment in my life and these truly are the best of times!
Jude 1:25 (NLT) - "All glory to him who alone is God, our Savior through Jesus Christ our Lord. All glory, majesty, power, and authority are his before all time, and in the present, and beyond all time! Amen."