Not Christian, not Hindu, not Muslim, not Buddhist, not Jewish … not anything at all.
No Bible or religious books of any kind. No blessing before or after meals. I didn’t grow up “religious,” nor did I realize other kids were religious at my small town public school.
Some kids were released from classes early for “catechism,” but nobody I spoke with during my K-12 school adventure talked about Christ or Buddha or Mohammed or any other religious figure … except to say “Jesus Christ” as a sort of swear word.
I’m not complaining … just stating the facts: I was an unchurched child, and in some ways that gave me an advantage when, at 21 years old, received firsthand experience and knowledge of the reality often called “God.”
Here’s why.
Because I’m not a “cradle Christian,” I’ve not much in the way of denominational mandates to defend. I don’t read scripture or other religious books to prove something … I read to LEARN something.
Big difference, seems to me.
And the more I read, the more I learn. In 50 years of study, I’m much deeper than when I began … but still in the kiddie pool, perhaps. If you want depth … read The Bible. It is over everyone’s head, but written in their heart.
Jesus Loves Me: Now What?
My Creator got my attention when I was 21 years old. That was 50 years ago this year. Amazing, but true. Time does indeed “fly.”
I’ve sensed the Creator’s presence all along the way … even through my mistakes (aka “sins”). God has never left me. And ever so often, He makes His presence keenly aware to me … whether during a time of prayer, while walking in nature, or in the events of my life.
Now what?
Time is running out. Not just for me, but for you too. I was 21 just a little while ago, it seems. Now, I’m 71. I probably don’t’ have another 50 years left in this life.
What should I do? How do I invest the time I do have remaining here?
Too Old to Join a Monastery
The upper age limit for entering a monastery is typically about 40 years old. I am 31 years past that. Chances are slim that any of the Orders of Monks would accept me. And not that I feel called to reenlist anyway, but I’m too old for the military, too.
What should I do? When I express my concern to others, they tend to laugh a bit and ask, “Why don’t you just retire and go have some fun.
Here’s why:
I am not the retiring type. I like to work, and I doubt I will ever retire. Why would I? There is still much left for me to do. Thinking about it today, one thing seemed obvious: I need focus and direction.
So, I “put the blinders on.”
Gods Will, God’s Bill
I am interested in pretty well everything. That’s great for my work as a writer, since I love to research all sorts of topics. Now that I’m at a point in life where I am ready to move on and move forward, though, no niche could become a liability.
The past five years or so, I seriously tried to take myself on as a client — meaning I will do your work for my bread and butter during the day, but I’ll get my own stuff out and keep working in the evening. I figured that process would take a year, but not five or more years.
Finally, though, between firing clients and letting them drop off with no attempt to keep them … I’m in the sweet spot.
I can begin.
Thy Kingdom Come, They Will be Done
The direction I feel right now is to help with preparations for and promotion of Gather25. If you’ve not yet heard or want to know more about the March 2025 event, check the video below. I hope to see you there.
And if you, too, are ready to switch your focus to “seeking first the Kingdom” (see Matthew 6:23), I would definitely like to hear from you. Let’s do this.