Reminiscing for the Whippersnappers

Today, I turned 40. Don't gasp. Honestly, it's not that big of a deal to me. It's just another number. Just another day. But it sure has started me thinking.

I enjoy living in the past. Not dwelling in it. That's not healthy. But my musical tastes and entertainment choices tend to venture toward my year of birth and beyond. I love big band music, doo-wop, disco. The Bee Gees are my absolute favorite band ever. Sorry, I adore them, and they deserved a mention.

I come from a pre-Internet generation. And I have to be honest, as useful as it is, I don't care for it. It sucks up too much time, provides too much information, and intrudes upon our lives. Oh, yes, I see the benefits, but I certainly wonder if it actually does us any good.

I survived early years with no car seats, no seatbelts, riding in the back of pickup trucks, helmetless bike riding...the list goes on and on. Life was much simpler. The world has become so very complicated.

As I pondered all this, it came to mind that perhaps God gives us golden memories of childhood to help us learn to let go of this life a little bit at a time. We grow tired and weary of this world (thanks, Magenta) and look forward to His promises of heaven. Perhaps a little morbid viewpoint, there, but it gave me a sense of hope. Because I don't believe this world is all there is.

So while I watch those go before me--family, friends, celebrities I admire--I learn to let go of this world. I look forward to seeing them again. And as for the rest of my steps here on earth, I open my arms with love and my heart with light. That's what's important.

All the rest...is just stuff.