Some Random Thoughts at 44
Every year around my birthday, I love to come up with random thoughts that strike me at this stage of my life. As I reviewed what I came up with last year, I realized how much I am still in the same mindset. (I’m not sure that is a good or bad thing.). So with a few add-ons and clarifications (all in bold)…here are a few things that strike me this year:
- Seeing the world upside down is seeing it right side up. Thank you, St. Peter. (From this perspective, perceived loss is a gain, perceived weakness is strength, and true greatness is found in humility. )
- Sinatra’s album, Nice and Easy, still captivates me every time I listen to its entirety. (Still does, especially the tracks, “Nevertheless” and “Mam’selle.”)
- Poetry is fun to write. (I haven’t done much writing this past year, see #17. That said, I look forward to writing more frequently now that in-school learning is underway.)
- Grace, Mercy, and Forgiveness are daily necessities, both with others and yourself. (Amen!)
- Good coffee really is mandatory. (Alleluia!!)
- Different opinions don’t upset you when you no longer need to be right. (I love getting older because as the age goes up, your ego dissipates.)
- The freedom of the will is a signpost for love. (Makes you really value “freedom” in the upside-down kind of way, refer to #1. )
- Hitting a golf ball consistently well will cause you to want to have a drink, therefore…
- Good scotch is worth the price. (So is good bourbon!!)
- Friendships matter, ALOT. (And you realize this in small numbers.)
- Le francais est amusant a apprendre. (Merci, pour ma vie!)
- Truth is found in paradox. (100%)
- Real manhood is measured in the ability to be vulnerable. (Most will confuse this with weakness, when in actuality it may be the most heroic aspect of a well-lived life.)
- Watching sports without fans isn’t that fun. (Love listening to the fans again!!)
- Beauty can lead us to goodness and truth…Objective truth. (Subjective truth is slowly killing our society.)
- I miss traveling. (Grateful for our trip to Maine this year.)
- Being a stay-at-home father is not only the most challenging but most rewarding vocation… especially now that I am also a virtual teacher. (Refer to #9 and #3)
- Teachers are heroes. (Yes, they still are and always have been.)
- Culture influences our view of life more than we know. (Being in tune to both the positive and negative aspects of one’s culture only helps when welcoming other people from a different culture to your own.)
- Words matter, they really do reflect the heart. (Say what you mean, mean what you say!)
- Giving people the benefit of the doubt, not just in words, is liberating. (This has been an area where I have felt incredible internal freedom.)
- People will hurt you. Refer to #4 on the list. (77 times +… Mt. 18:22)
- Prayer works. But not in the way you want it to. Thank God. (My prayers this year have been rooted in silence, contemplation, and most of all listening.)
- “Essential workers” need a raise. (Especially first responders!)
- Giving yourself permission to have a bad day is vital. (Perfectionism seems to be a way of avoiding some sort of pain.)
- Being in nature brings healing and wonder. (I have been so grateful to be involved with Peak Encounter Ministries. Not only have I been doing weekly social media posts over the course of the last year or so, but I also have been featured in the book, Peak Encounters: A Spiritual Field Guide for Adventurous Souls. So much perspective and grace can be found while being still in God’s Creation.)
- Quietly and consistently doing good is more heroic than a one-time act of heroism. (The anti-social media way of living…once again refer to #1!)
- I still love saying Tschuss…even with an occasional double ciao! (And Salut!)
- Maturity is found in the number of times you use the phrase “both/and” (All religions, politics, sports, parenting, and pretty much you name it would be better off with a bit more of “both/and!”)
- Intentionally standing in the rain is glorious. (Wind has also been one of my favorites, there is something about its ability to penetrate the soul.)
- Loving yourself is a prerequisite to loving others; otherwise, we use the people we supposedly love. That said, loving yourself does not mean most things that the culture says it to be; rather, it is the ability to see your true created self as a gift to be shared. (Pride really is the root of all sin, and usually is masking deep insecurity.)
- Watching the sunrise over the ocean is a once-a-year must. (Mix in a sunset too if you can, the picture above).
- Get over yourself…you are worth it. (See #12)
- 1984 might have been the single best year for music. (After further review, I believe somehow the best years of music during the ’80s happened every other year, ’82, ’84, ’86, ’88)
- Life is hard…Life is WONDERFUL. (Life is most interesting when immersing it into the great Theo-drama, and not settling for the narrow confines of our small lives and egos.)
Cheers to another year ahead, one that I hope involves daily gratitude, grace, and humility.
6 Comments
Sarah Epp
Yay!! This was wonderful and encouraging to read! And happy belated birthday Brett
Brett Illig
Thank you, Sarah.
Karen A Hartman
A lot of good thoughts! Belated Happy Birthday!
Brett Illig
Thank you, Karen, I hope that you are well.
Tony Ciaverelli
If it was me I would just stop at the Scotch and repeat 🙂 Great stuff Brett…I can relate for sure
Brett Illig
Thank you, Tony. Slainte!!!