Thoughts on Turning 32

Today is my thirty-second birthday, or as I like to put it: I'm thirty-two years closer to the grave.  The Mrs. always gets on my case for putting it this way, presumably because it focuses on death rather than life, which I guess I can understand.  It's interesting to think though, assuming I live to the average male life expectancy - 72 years of age - that I am only four years away from having lived half my life.  Aging adds perspective.  Or as I've heard it put, birthdays are reminders to get busy.

What's it like to be 32?  So far it's a lot like being 31.  In fact, the thirty-second anniversary of the day of my birth has been rather uneventful, and that's fine with me.  I woke up at the usual time and got the young'ns some vittles, then brought the oldest to preschool and dropped the youngest off at her play date.  Then I went home and did some cleaning up around the house.  Went and got the kids and had lunch.  Now they're napping and I'm posting.  Pretty normal.

I was made aware today, however, that the date of my birthday is 10-11-12.  So that's kind of neat.  On the other hand, I also learned that the day of my birth is National Coming Out day, so I guess that's pretty special too.  

As far as the spiritual implications of turning another year older are concerned, I was doing some reading this afternoon and came across Psalm 71.17-18.  Seems like a pretty good prayer for my thirty-second year: "O God, from my youth you have taught me, and I still proclaim your wondrous deeds.  So even to old age and gray hairs, O God, do not forsake me, until I proclaim your might to another generation, your power to all those to come."

These verses have been increasingly played out in my life up to now in one way or another.  I have definitely learned of the glorious deeds of the Lord, even from my youth.  And so now, with an increasing number of gray hairs, and an ever-increasing experience of the faithfulness of God, I pray that he does not forsake me, and that he might extend my life for the sake of his glory amongst the next generation, particularly my children.