On the cusp of my 50th birthday, feeling quite content and expectant…

I think over my different decades and see times of growth and change, spiritual milestones, failures or obstacles I overcame, stages of family life, the clear hand of the Lord on my life and, if I look to see it, some good fruit at every stage. That is much more due to God’s grace and favour than my ability or planning. 

The last ten years have been the most settled, in one place, one area of ministry, growing through the seasons with my family and group of friends. There has been some personal weakness, pain and a more hidden pruning, alongside happier, beautiful times, but all resulting in a richer life and long term fruit. My personal healing has led to a better focus, the sorting out of priorities helping in a more balanced life, the gradual spiritual journey of the Beacon becoming a more lasting community and ministry.

So I look back at 50 with much thanks and little regret, especially when I can see the golden thread of God’s purpose and grace through all the happenings of my years and of those I love. I will give thanks and look forward expectantly for where the Lord will lead us.

As the Message bible says:

Roms 8v15-17 This resurrection life you received from God is not a timid, grave-tending life. It’s adventurously expectant, greeting God with a childlike “What’s next, Papa?” God’s Spirit touches our spirits and confirms who we really are. We know who he is, and we know who we are: Father and children. And we know we are going to get what’s coming to us—an unbelievable inheritance! We go through exactly what Christ goes through. If we go through the hard times with him, then we’re certainly going to go through the good times with him!

God’s blessing.