I turn 60 this month. It doesn't feel like I thought 60 would feel. My mind is still young and full of ideas for the future. My body has a hard time keeping up, but that's because I've abused it more than because of age. Getting back into shape is sure a lot harder than staying it shape. I should have paid more attention years ago.

One of my favorite authors, Donald Miller, wrote something about aging. He said if your life was a book, when you get to a point where you realize there are more pages in your left hand than in your right, you start paying more attention to the pages that are left. And you become very conscious of not wanting the story to end. In some ways I'm like that. I can look back and of course I have a few regrets, but all in all, it has been a pretty good ride. I look ahead and there is still so much I want to do, I don't even think about if I have enough years left or not. I just plan to keep on doing as long as my mind and body will let me.

Regrets?  There are some words and actions I'd like to undo. On the other hand I have many friends from my youth. Professionally, I regret having gotten out of the National Guard when I moved to Texas in 1977. I took some bad advice from someone not qualified to give advice in that area. My job career has been interesting. The only real false start I've had is in training show horses and if I'm honest about it, that was someone else's vision, not mine. I've always wanted to fly and I've done quite a bit of it. I'm not flying regularly these days, but I still have a license and I still have a medical, so I'm legal to fly.

The other passion is writing and publishing. I've done some of that and am moving full speed ahead with other projects. Sure, I'd love to get national recognition and someday sell enough of something to make a living at it, but even if that doesn't happen, I'm having fun and leaving my mark where I can.

The one thing I'm most thankful for at this point in my life is my family. I have a faithful, loving and forgiving wife. My three sons are like my three best friends. The two daughters-in-law seem like my own flesh and blood. And those grandchildren? Don't even get me started talking about them. Seven unique and delightful individuals, each with his or her own personality. Watching them grown and learn is something I'm really looking forward to. I have a lot of grandaddy memories. Hopefully, we can make some for them.

I'm thankful that God made Himself real to me and has remained faithful and loving. And I'm thankful for true friends, past and present, who love, support and encourage me. Sixty ain't bad. And, there were no black balloons at my desk today. Just three colorful ones with lots of smiles.