The First 48

Tomorrow I will turn 48 years old. As I reflect on the years, I use the title of the A&E television show, ‘The First 48’. I borrowed this idea from a former classmate who recently celebrated her 48th birthday. The opening line from the show states, “For homicide detectives, their chance of solving a murder is cut in half if they don’t get a lead within the first 48 hours.” Similarly, I suppose if a person doesn’t have direction in their life by the age of 48, their chance of success is greatly reduced. Like those critical first 48 hours of a murder investigation, one can say the first forty-something years of life are important. By this age, one is expected to have a certain level of maturity and achievement. However, it is never too late if it hasn’t happened yet. As I write in my book, Go Into The House, “The fact that you are still alive assures you that God has something for you to accomplish.”

There are many things I had envisioned achieving in my life by this point, but there’s still time. I certainly haven’t reached all my goals. In many ways it seems the years have flown by. There have been many significant events–marriage, fatherhood, career, ministry, divorce, as well as the daily highs and lows. Overall, I can say life has been good, even with the setbacks and disappointments. I have been blessed to experience some things that others may have only dreamed of. For that I am grateful, and don’t take those experiences for granted. Even my mistakes have taught me some valuable lessons, and I have grown from them.

I don’t know if I’ll have another “48” to live, but with whatever time I have left, I aim to do my best to fulfill the purpose God has for me. In some ways, I’m just beginning at 48. I believe there are new opportunities ahead of me. I still have a long bucket list, but I’m checking items off as I move ahead. I’m looking forward to a great future. Today I can say it’s been a good first 48.

(Image ©A&E Television Networks, LLC)