Today I turned 27. It’s the oldest I’ve ever been. And as I think about getting closer to the dreaded age of 30 (at least for me), many things have come to mind. The biggest thing that comes to mind is the fact that I have so far to go. I’m nowhere near where I want to be as a follower of Christ, as a husband, as a father, as a pastor, as a friend, and as a writer.
But another thing comes to mind – I’ve learned some things along the way. I always try to be a voracious learner. And maybe, just maybe, something in this list of 27 things I’ve learned from 27 years of existence will connect with you.
27 Things I’ve Learned From 27 Years of Existence
- God is much better than I originally thought. He’s holy and loving at the same time. He’s mighty and relational at the same time. There’s a tension in believing in the Almighty because He has revealed Himself and, yet, He is incomprehensible.
- If you’re willing, God will take you further than you ever thought possible. At least, that’s been my story.
- There is a battle between trusting in people vs trusting in God. And it’s a battle I have to fight daily. Who I live for says a lot about what I truly believe about God.
- Waking up at 5 in the morning is the best thing you could ever do for your spiritual walk, your career, and your mood. This former night owl LOVES early mornings.
- If you want to reach a big goal, you need to develop good habits to get you there. Do a little every day.
- People really want to know how God has wired them. If you can help someone find their calling, their talents, and their gifts, you’ll do them and God’s kingdom an amazing service.
- Your spiritual growth is on you . Don’t act as if it’s someone else’s responsibility to grow you up in the faith.
- If you want to set yourself apart in life, focus on your strengths and manage your weaknesses.
- Parenting is really, really, really hard. Especially when you find out that your kids are like you…
- Parenting is really, really, really awesome. To see two little girls grow up before your eyes and to realize that you’ll always and forever be their daddy brings about an indescribable feeling and sense of responsibility.
- Writing a book is hard, but completely attainable.
- Marriage is like a fire at a campsite. It will have highs and lows, but ultimately it will survive if you keep putting logs on it. If you keep working at it, progress will be made.
- The amount of things I once thought I had figured out is constantly changing. I’m constantly being surprised at the progress I’ve made and constantly humbled at the progress I haven’t.
- To be a Christian who is politically engaged is good, but to drift in placing your hope in politics is quite easy. Fight against it.
- Hardships shape you tremendously. The things I’ve gone through in my past have changed who I am today. So when hardships come today, a better question than why is this happening is what will this teach me.
- Daily Bible reading isn’t always super exciting. Sometimes you need to trudge through and keep yourself awake.
- Prayer is hard. Thankfully the Holy Spirit is always busy interceding on my behalf.
- I really love to start things. I’m always thinking of ideas and my brain really never takes a chill pill. I’ve had to learn to say no to myself on a regular basis when it comes to my good ideas.
- Long, consistent devotion in a singular direction is far better than quick success in multiple directions.
- Not everyone is okay with this is what God said, so that settles it type of thinking or teaching.
- In leadership, vision and strategy go hand in hand. A vision without a strategy is simply a destination with no transportation.
- Predestination and free will create a tension that I’m okay with embracing. (for my fellow theology nerds)
- What we value the most can be seen in the habits we embrace on a daily basis.
- Living on a budget is surprisingly freeing.
- If my treasure isn’t in the things of God and His mission, my heart isn’t there either.
- It’s okay to be myself. Not everyone will like the true me, but that’s quite alright. Eventually anyway.
- I’m profoundly blessed with Jesus as my Savior and Lord, Sara as my wife, Kairea and Piper as my daughters, many as my family and friends, and The Crossing as the church I get to serve God and His people.
So there you have it. A completely random list of 27 things I’ve learned from 27 years of existence.
Have a blessed day, friends.
Peace.
P.S. I have some really exciting things in the pipeline for my 27th year of existence. If you want to be the first to know about it all, join the email list. If you do, I’ll send you a 28-day devotional and audio course called, Journey to Knowing God. New Christians and seasoned Christ followers will benefit from it.
