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August 2009 60 And CountingFrom: Apostle Steve Allen Hello Dear Friends, Today I turn 60! I've always said that birthdays are good for you, the more you have, the longer you live! At 60 however, life begins to resemble a roll of toilet paper...the closer you get to the end, the faster it goes! it seems that at momentus times like this, people like to look back and share some of the things they've learned through the years. I've heard some pretty funny ones, like: Accept that some days you're the pigeon, and some days you're the statue! Some mistakes are too much fun to only make once! A truly happy person is one who can enjoy the scenery on a detour! Nobody cares if you can't dance well. Just get up and dance! If you can't be kind, at least have the decency to be vague! Drive carefully. It's not only cars that can be recalled by their maker! Laugh at yourself, everyone else is!
Seriously though, turning 60 does require a person to stop and take inventory. I don't just want to be 60 and counting, I want to be 60 and compounding! You see, turning 60, I look at my life and realize that I'm slowing down (a little ). I don't have the energy I once had, and I simply can't do as much as I once could. However, I also find that I'm entering a "compounding stage" in my life. I'm profiting from the Kingdom investments I made when I was younger, and I'm watching them earn interest and steadily grow in value. I'm reaping the benefits of the decisions I made early in life. For example, through the years I've tried to see the best side of people. Oh sure, looking closely, it's easy to see the flaws and defects in other people, but our relationships have a far richer quality when we search for strength and beauty in the lives of the people around us. I thank God for helping me see the good in people. It's hard for me to stay angry, even with those who have hurt me. It isn't long before I find myself thinking about all the reasons why I love that person, and miraculously, I'm no longer mad! Another thing, I love to relate on a heart to heart level with those around me. I love to listen to the dreams and passions stored within peoples hearts, and see the keys which can unlock the wealth of their potential. It makes me truly want to give more than I receive and continue to try my best to live for others. As the words to the famous 1960's song says, "one is the loneliest number..." and when we live only for ourselves, we lead small and shallow lives. As a leader, when you hit 60, you start to see your legacy being formed. The desire to leave an indelible legacy in the lives of those you love becomes a matter of great importance. I want my children, and my spiritual sons and daughters to both learn from my mistakes and be enriched from my relationship with Christ. A life is short, but history is long. That's why I desire to spend my life on the pursuits that will outlive me. I love what one author wrote when he said, " We have made at least a start in discovering the meaning in human life when we plant shade trees under which we know full well we will never sit." Friends, life compounds either positively or negatively. The choice is up to us. Whatever age you are now, you can make the choices that will determine the magnitude of the compounding. Here are a few of the most valuable lessons I've learned along the way... Love, enjoy, and appreciate your family every day. Stay with your strengths. Remember the hot poker principle: Stay close to the people and things that keep you passionate! Appreciate the differences of people. Take time for yourself. Understand that there are great benefits in adversity. Be willing to pay the price. Be resilient...you don't drown by falling in water, you drown by staying there! Always be thankful for God's goodness and grace over your life. So there you go, just a few thoughts from your "old" friend, Ps. Steve on his 60th birthday. Keep compounding! Many blessings! |
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