That number alone causes me to pause. Not because of the years themselves, but because of what those years represent. When I look back over my life, I can clearly see that I have lived it in two very distinct phases.

By today’s standards—by my standards now—there are things I did, choices I made, and people I hurt that I consider horrific. At the time, I would have justified much of it. I was doing what I wanted to do, when I wanted to do it, and I was determined to do it my way no matter the cost. I believed in God, but functionally I believed I was the final authority over my life. I trusted God with my eternity while insisting on controlling my present. Unsurprisingly, that approach produced chaos relationally, emotionally, and spiritually.

Today I am blessed beyond measure. I genuinely feel like the luckiest guy in the world. The difference between the two phases is simple, but not easy:

I no longer want to do what I want to do my way. I want to do what God wants me to do, and I want to do it His way—to the extent I understand it and am able to carry it out. I am still very much a work in progress, but my direction is settled.

Along the way—across both phases—there have been countless people who have contributed to who I am today. Some in small, quiet, but deeply important ways. Others in big, obvious, life-altering ways. Many of you will say “Happy Birthday” to me today through social media, texts, emails, or phone calls. Please know this: I don’t take any of that lightly. To each of you—thank you, thank you, and thank you again. Your presence in my life matters more than you likely know. Each one of you has had an impact on my life or we wouldn't even be connected via social media!

First and foremost, God. Not the abstract idea of God, but the personal, patient, persistent God who never stopped pursuing me—even when I was doing my best to run my own life into the ground. His grace met me before I wanted it, carried me when I didn’t deserve it, and continues to shape me today. Jeremiah 29:11 has proven true in my life, though rarely on my timeline and never in the way I would have scripted it: “For I know the plans I have for you…”

Christie—my wife, my partner, my friend. I do not have adequate words. She loved me when I was immature, selfish, and spiritually distracted. She stayed faithful when I wandered internally. She modeled commitment to God and family without demanding it from me. She never tried to fix me—she trusted God to do that work. Her influence on my life, my faith, my parenting, and my calling is immeasurable. Simply put, the best version of me exists because she walked with me.

Our son Jason and daughter-in-law Caitlyn, and our 3 incredible grandchildren—you are, after Christie, beyond a doubt God’s greatest gifts to me. Becoming a father began my awakening; becoming a grandfather has deepened my gratitude. Watching our family grow, heal, and thrive beyond my wildest expectations is a joy I never assumed I would experience in my younger years. You give meaning to everything Christie and I work toward today.

To my family and Christie’s family—thank you for grace, patience, forgiveness, and love. Family is complicated. Ours is no exception. But redemption has a way of rewriting stories, and I am grateful for every step of reconciliation, growth, and connection we share. I love each of you!

Professionally and personally, there have been mentors, friends, pastors, counselors, colleagues, clients, and students who played a role in shaping my thinking, sharpening my character, and stretching my faith. Some of you challenged me when I needed it. Some encouraged me when I was discouraged. Some simply showed up consistently—and that mattered more than you know. Don't quit now, I am not finished!

I want to encourage you, and I want to challenge you.

God has a plan for your life that is likely far greater than you can imagine. Not easier. Not pain-free. But better. Deeper. More purposeful. I am living proof that your past does not disqualify you from God’s future. The destructive years did not get the final word in my life—God did.

If you are in a season where you are insisting on doing things your way, I get it. I lived there for decades. But I can tell you from experience: surrender is not loss—it is gain. Obedience is not limitation—it is freedom. And trusting God with your daily life, not just your eternity, changes everything.

At 73, I am more hopeful, more grateful, and more committed than I have ever been. I wake up each day wanting to become the best version of the man God designed me to be, love the people He has entrusted to me well, and use whatever influence I have left to serve others.

Thank you for being part of my story—whether for a moment or for a lifetime.

I truly am the luckiest guy in the world and I am not done!!!