There was a significant birthday celebrated just a few days ago.
Yeah, that one. The one that changed history. The one that is celebrated around the world. The one that gives meaning to everything.
There was also another birthday celebrated the day before that birthday.
The significance of that birthday was significantly less significant, but it did matter to a small group of people.
Yes, on December 24, 2021 I turned 30.
For the second time.
Holy senior citizen discount! I’m 60!
How in the world did this happen?
In my mind, I’m still a young buck. As a result, my mind can sometimes write checks that my body can’t cash.
I remember—vaguely—the first time I turned 30. I was the young, new(ish) pastor of Eagle Mountain Baptist Church. And it seemed like I gained more pastoral credibility with that birthday.
A pastor in his 30s certainly is more qualified than one in his 20s.
A decade later I hit 40. I had completed a doctorate and had celebrated 10 years as pastor of EMBC. I was on a roll. More than double the average tenure of Baptist pastors, a post-graduate degree, and in my 40s. I was almost considered wise. The future looked bright.
When I hit 50, I had transitioned into a new ministry working with a network of churches and pastors. Once again, my credibility increased as one whose role was more mentoring and advising than producing.
But in the back of my mind was this lurking awareness: 50 is halfway to 100. I’m not likely to live to 100 so I’m already on the back side of middle-aged.
About the time I turned 55, I heard that most churches would not call a pastor over the age of 55. Not that I wanted to be a pastor again, but that statistic told me that I was past the point of gaining credibility with each new decade.
Now I’m 60 and people are asking more often when I’m going to retire.
That’s a question I’m pondering more frequently even when people aren’t asking it.
My much younger sister told me 60 is the new 40. My slightly younger brother responded that 40 must be getting stinkin’ old then.
This is the curse of being the eldest.
Another friend told me that I should party like I’m 58. That seemed doable.
All my friends who turned 60 earlier in the year are getting revenge for the harassment I delivered on their respective birthdays. It’s been fun.
I figure in a few more years I’ll be able to hide my own Easter eggs. In the meantime, I’ve decided to throw myself a 60th birthday party.
Since my friends were otherwise occupied on Christmas Eve, I’m throwing myself a 60th birthday bash on January 28th. I’m doing a concert of some of my favorite songs from over 45 years of ministry through music.
If you’re reading this, you’re invited. You can find more information at drgerrylewis.com/60thbash/
If you’re not reading this, never mind.
Here’s what I know: my first 60 years has been an amazing journey. I know there are not nearly as many ahead as there are behind, but I’m still looking forward to what’s ahead.
Thanks for letting me share the journey with you in 2021.
See you next year.
Be amazing today, my friend.
