Turning 40.

I turned 40 on September 4th. I must admit, I wasn't looking forward to it. In fact, I really didn't want it to happen. Leading up to it, I walked around the house disenchanted, a little testy at times. Until my wife was kind enough to throw me a surprise birthday party on Sept. 3rd with a myriad of my closest friends. I was honored, though it took me a little bit to get in the swing of things because I wasn't ready to celebrate that moment.

So, has life changed?

Sure. It's always changing. Right now, my big soap box is wondering why I am continuing to do things that don't matter.

Yeah, that's me, cynical Chris.

But really, I've been going to church now for close to 40 years. In that span I've probably heard at least 2000 messages. And how often have I shared my faith one on one with someone? 20 times maybe. Oh, yeah, there was that summer I did a mission trip to Myrtle Beach. Probably 20-30 times then. And my good buddy Bruce and I used to go the mall and try and engage people in spiritual discussions. Probably 20-30 of those. But day in and day out, what have I been doing.

Yes, I've got a family. A fantastic and beautiful wife. Girl of my dreams for sure. I still look at her many times and say to myself, "God, I guess you do love me. I can't believe what you have given me. " Great kids. Do they drive me crazy at times? Yes. But, I wouldn't trade anything in the world for them.

Work has been challenging. I've done a lot of various things and I am definitely getting closer to what I really want to do. And very thankful that God's hand of providence has shined on us. Is it hard to stay out of debt? Yes indeed it is. Especially when the world tells me everyday I need everything. But, I think I have the right perspective.

I've got wonderful friends. People to joke around with and also yet many that enjoy talking about the deeper issues of life and the things that matter most to me.

Which brings me to my current dilemma.

The things that matter most.

My brother is just an awesome man of God. He often credits me for many things in his life. He often says that I was the spark or he followed my lead into some avenue of faith. There might be some truth in that, but the difference between he and I is kind of like watching a two-man relay race where the first guy runs the 100 yds and then passes the baton to someone who runs then 400 yds to the finish. He takes things and runs with them.

Recently, he turned me on to the Way of the Master radio show. Whoa. Good stuff. I've been listening to the radio show each day and it has challenged me greatly to bring evangelism to the forefront of life.

To the point that I've got this quiver going on in my soul about talking to people about what matters most. And I'm currently on a quest to talk about this more. I've been trying to engage people more. Right now its once a week. But, its gotta become daily. And its training my brain of the importance. I've been working on memorizing scripture more to be ready.

I've reached 40. But the plan remains the same. Do everything for the glory of God. And don't forget Jesus' last words to those still on earth, "Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.(Matthew 28:19-20)"

A gentle reminder that as we engage in the daily attributes of life, ultimately conversations of this nature is what matters most.