I Am Entering a New Decade

April 1 2023

I celebrated my 69th birthday on March 22nd. It was a great day as I reflected over my life and the goodness of God. Many people helped me celebrate as I was taken to lunch and dinner at places like Pappasito’s Cantina, Capital Grille, Hal’s Steakhouse, Longhorn’s and Bone’s. I received numerous cards and gifts as well as approximately 100 texts and phone calls. The church did a video presentation that almost brought me to tears. I felt really loved and appreciated.

I am exiting one decade and entering into a new one. I ask myself where did all the time go? It seems like not too long ago, I was outside playing sports with Ricky, Cecil, Willie, Thomas, Joseph and a host of others in the neighborhood. My good friend William and I spent a lot of time at Washington and Mosley Park swimming and meeting people. I can remember the year he and I won the City of Atlanta Horseshoe competition for the age group of 18 and over. We never practiced. We just entered and won because we grew up tossing horseshoes. We still laugh about that 50 years later.

I have enjoyed my life and if I had to do it all over again there isn’t much I would change. I would marry my wife all over again. She was and always will be the love of my life. God richly blessed me with a wonderful gift. I am grateful for the wonderful family He has given to me. I look at my children and I am so pleased with the way they turned out. They are my delight and my soul rejoices because the reproof and instructions we provided paid off. I give most of the credit to my wife because she spent so much quality time with them while I was building my career. And to see our grandchildren growing up is so very special. My prayer for them is that they will love God with all their heart and commit themselves to Him all the days of their lives.

My mom and dad provided us with a safe home and taught us to love one another.

Dad was the hardest working person I have ever known. I wanted to be just like him and therefore never shied away from hard work. I washed my cars and cut my lawn until about three years ago. We are fortunate in that although our parents are gone to be with the Lord, all five siblings are still alive. What a blessing.

My church family has added great joy to my life for the past thirteen years. They have been very supportive from day one. I feel their unconditional love continuously. They have never turned their backs on me.

As you can see, I have so much to be grateful for. The religious leaders who trained me, the elementary school teachers who used the rod of correction to give me wisdom, and the high school teachers who encouraged me through their thoughtful discussions, all played a vital role in helping me during my past 69 years.

I am looking forward to the next decade. I am sure it will be filled with lots of amazing opportunities, experiences and excitement. God knows the plans He has for us. I like what my future looks like.