Joining the Half-Century Club
Today, along with actress Miranda Richardson and likely a few other famous people, I join the half-century club. I was born at Los Angeles’ Queen of Angels Hospital, now the Dream Center Foursquare Church, on March 3, 1958. I can’t say I remember much from that day, though I’m told it was a difficult birth, requiring forceps to get me out. Beginning from that point, the intervening years have been interesting and challenging.
During these 50 years I’ve lived in La Crescenta, San Francisco, and Mount Shasta, Klamath Falls (I’m a graduate of Klamath Union High School ‘76), Eugene (a graduate of Northwest Christian College ‘80), Pasadena (graduate of Fuller Theological Seminary ’85, 91), Eugene, Fullerton, Rancho Cucamonga, Manhattan (the Little Apple), and finally Santa Barbara. I experienced the divorce of my parents and struggles with faith and identity. I grew up Republican and became a Democrat. I was born and baptized Episcopalian, but my journey has taken me along a number of other paths, leading to my present home among the Disciples of Christ.
I married Cheryl in 1983 – 25 years in July – and am father to Brett (1990). I planned on being a professor and scholar – went to school for that purpose and got my Ph.D. I got myself ordained, but didn’t fathom the idea that one day I’d be a pastor. I’ve been fired a couple of times, and done a little writing.
My life hasn’t been dull. It’s been quite full, but of course it isn’t over yet. When I turned 40 someone told me that the 40s are the best decade of one’s life. Now that I start my 50s, I’m hoping that’s not true. I’m hoping this coming decade will be even better. In fact, yesterday someone in her 60s today told me that the 50s can be a great decade. She said in your 50s you have the experience and the wisdom together with the energy to great things. I’m taking her at her word.
I find it interesting that on this my 50th birthday, in a matter of minutes, I’m starting a 3- day Alban Institute seminar on “Leading Change in the Church.” Somehow that seems appropriate for the day. As I begin my 50s, expecting to hear soon from the congregation with which I’ve entered negotiations, I expect that change is in my future – not just the church that I pastor now or the one I’ll possibly be pasturing in the near future. And as for the next 50 years – we’ll see if I get there.
I married Cheryl in 1983 – 25 years in July – and am father to Brett (1990). I planned on being a professor and scholar – went to school for that purpose and got my Ph.D. I got myself ordained, but didn’t fathom the idea that one day I’d be a pastor. I’ve been fired a couple of times, and done a little writing.
My life hasn’t been dull. It’s been quite full, but of course it isn’t over yet. When I turned 40 someone told me that the 40s are the best decade of one’s life. Now that I start my 50s, I’m hoping that’s not true. I’m hoping this coming decade will be even better. In fact, yesterday someone in her 60s today told me that the 50s can be a great decade. She said in your 50s you have the experience and the wisdom together with the energy to great things. I’m taking her at her word.
I find it interesting that on this my 50th birthday, in a matter of minutes, I’m starting a 3- day Alban Institute seminar on “Leading Change in the Church.” Somehow that seems appropriate for the day. As I begin my 50s, expecting to hear soon from the congregation with which I’ve entered negotiations, I expect that change is in my future – not just the church that I pastor now or the one I’ll possibly be pasturing in the near future. And as for the next 50 years – we’ll see if I get there.
Cross Published at Faithfully Liberal
Comments
May the Lord bless you and strenghen you for all the challenges that certainly will be brought to you in the next half century. As you have shared, something special follows you since your birth.
It's great to be following your thoughts almost daily, over here.
A big and warm brazilian abraço (hug).