“I’m 65 going on 35 and still wake up some mornings wondering what I want to do when I grow up.”
If I have discovered one thing in 65 years, Ecclesiastes 3 is spot on: There is a time and a season for everything. Seasons come and go, and they tend not to linger.
I’ve also found that the man who tells you he has no regrets is lying to you.
In many ways, Ecclesiastes 3 is a chapter of regrets and change. Of times and seasons. Of growth and hope. Of life and inevitability.
I’ll turn 65 this month, Medicare and all. There have been only a few times in my life when I have pondered life so reflectively. Some people have those moments at 40 or 50. I didn’t. Even 60 seemed like a minor turning point.
However, sixty-five is a different animal because of all the inherent necessary changes. Don’t get me wrong; I still feel 35—at least in my head and even my emotions and heart. But those knees need a full 7-8 hours of sleep now, and life is different now that Mom and Dad are gone.
But I’m not retired. I’m not quitting. I work because I want to—and I enjoy it. My dad retired from Nabisco at 62 but kept going by starting a business. He reminded me many times, “Don’t stop. Keep moving.”
IT’S NEVER TOO LATE. It doesn’t matter if you’re 25 or 65 — it’s not too late. I graduated college at 58 after a nearly 40-year hiatus. Then, God opened the door for me to become a chaplain at 59 at a large resort, which turned out to be a dream job that COVID interrupted. I became a Preferred Coach with Dave Ramsey’s team at 60, joined the John Maxwell Leadership Team at 62, wrote a book at 63, and am working on another one. It’s not too late—for you, me, or anyone.
GROWTH IS A CHOICE. Maxwell says, “Change is inevitable. Growth is optional.” Some of my closest colleagues are in their 30s or 40s. They keep me fresh and challenge me regularly. Yes, we look sort of odd together age-wise, but they tolerate my long stories, and we complete each other in a unique way. Shout out here to Derick Kopp, Josh Schumm, and Mathew Paul.
REGRETS. Have I done some stupid things? A few things I’d like to have a do-over for? Of course. We all have regrets. The key is not to live there. If you decide to live in the Land of Regret, you’ll never discover the Land of Blessing that God has waiting for you. That’s good preaching right there. My pastor may have the best revelation on this. Randy Harvey says, “Stupid is built into the plan.” Check out THIS. So are failures, detours, disappointments, and discouragement. Remember, God has a GPS just for you!
YOU GET MULLIGANS. The Bible is replete with examples of do-overs and second chances. Most of us never accept those second chances because we’re wallowing in the Land of Regret. Take your second chances. It’s use-’em-or-lose-’em. Just like money, you can’t take them with you. They are a gift, so unwrap the gift and enjoy the ride!
NEVER EVER GIVE UP. Jim Valvano made the quote famous in a speech more than thirty years ago. You can check out that moving speech HERE. You can’t give up, throw in the towel, and stop believing; a little bit of you dies inside when you do. Don’t be the person Benjamin Franklin talks about when he says, “Some people die at 25 and aren’t buried until 75.”
YOUR PEOPLE AND COMMUNITY. My book Your Fab 5 explores these ideas, and we learned in The Blue Zones that making this a part of your life can add 4-14 years to your life. My main “people” is my sweet wife, Elizabeth, who helps keep me young, and we’ve started a home group recently that has energized us.
YOU CAN TEACH AN OLD DOG NEW TRICKS. It’s never too late to grow, leave regret behind, and take advantage of a second chance. Never, ever give up. Keep believing. No matter your age, learn something new. Indeed, there is a time and a season for everything. Mine are changing, but they aren’t over, and I’m still growing and looking for second chances. What about you?
Age is only a number if you—like Clint Eastwood — don’t let the old man in.
P.S. If you get our Daily Inspiration, you’ll notice you’ve been seeing Chip’s Favorites. The thoughts I’m sharing this month (and in May) are some of the thoughts that have been life-changing for me. It’s my birthday gift to you. I hope you enjoy it!
P.P.S. If you don’t receive those Daily Inspiration thoughts, you can click HERE, and we’ll ensure you start receiving them tomorrow.
LEGACY: The story behind The Picture.
CHOICE: The Defining Element in Your Journey.
Legacy or Resume: Which are you building?
Stand Out: Be more than average.