Turnin' 50

Turning 50 this year has created some interesting thought processes inside my head. Some reflective…pondering on the things I’ve been through and what I have learned from my experiences; some a bit more forward thinking…considering all the goals I’ve set and musing about how they’ve altered or changed; and some contemplations are all about the here and now. I have to tell you, any one of those moments can be gratifying, scary, humbling, intimidating, humorous…but they all end in the same place: me knowing I am very blessed.

With fifty years under my belt (and a bit too much hanging over it…) along with 28 wonderful years of marriage—23 of which have been learning the fine art of parenting—there is one incontrovertible truth that is present…Jesus Christ is most certainly a personal God who has been undeniably with me every step of the way. When I say personal, I mean in a tangible way.

I am always very careful to give reverence and respect to God when I pray and praise however—as unworthy as I feel at times—I know He is also approachable on any level. I have yelled at Him, blamed Him…yes even cursed Him during dark times in my life and He is faithful to listen and respond appropriately. Always. Never failing. I have praised and worshipped Him and He is faithful to bless me in ways I can not even craft into words. Always. Never failing. I have questioned His existence, questioned my existence, questioned why in the world would I even question these things…and still He has interjected His divine will into my life and I am humbled beyond humility to understand why; but He does. Always. Never failing. This is the God I serve. This is the God everyone should serve.

He created us as free will thinkers to accept Him on His terms, but by our own choice. He wants to enjoy His creation as much as He wants to be involved with us on a daily basis. The Almighty King has every right to sit on His throne in the VIP box seat and simply watch as His game plan unfolds over time…but the simple truth is: the Heavenly Father, Lord of Lord, King of Kings, chooses to live within each of our lives on a personal level and allows us complete access to His wonder and grace. I can’t comprehend that kind of amazing love, but I still feel it is my commission, as His creation, to continually pursue understanding and personifying that love.

The last fifty years has shown me many things but, truly, the greatest blessing of all is knowing I serve a God who loves me…for who I am, for what I am, for having said, “Yes” to His call.

Greg Morton
© August 1, 2009