Tomorrow, I turn 60 years old. This might be a good day to think about the decade of my fifties, ten years of amazing highs and lows. 
After many years of basketball and tennis, I finally blew a disk in my back and, after months of trying everything from physical therapy to injections to procrastination, I gave in for surgery with a very positive outcome. I returned to basketball and played until I was 52. 
I've stood on happy holy ground with two of my children as they've found wonderful spouses. Josh and Jen have made our family more complete. 
Our family has welcomed three little boys into the world who call me by my favorite title, "Papa."
After decades of waiting for a better time, I've gotten serious about writing a book. I published "The Stories of My Life," a collection of life experiences that have taught me how to live, have a second book, "Seeing in the Dark" that will be released this year by Smyth and Helwys Publishers, and a third book, "Messages from Mayberry" that I hope will be published soon.
There have been many highs in the 50s. I've also seen some lows.
I survived a long season of depression that took a great toll on me and those who love me. God has redeemed that dark valley by teaching me some truths I could learn no other way. He's also opened doors for me to counsel and encourage a circle of fellow strugglers as they journey through their own dark times. "Seeing in the Dark" is one of the ways I'm sharing what I've learned about the Christian faith and how it speaks to depression. I'd never sign up for this tough class, but in it I learned a great deal.
My family and I endured by far the greatest hurt we've ever experienced from a church. I saw bad people rise to power, lies spread, confidences broken, and many good people sit by and watch. I'm still waiting and praying for the first day I don't feel the pain of those days.
But, as often happens, God does His best in the worst of times. During my 50s I stepped into the pulpit and fell into the arms of a loving congregation who gave me a place to heal and to rediscover the joy of my calling. I'll always love Parisview Baptist for the way they loved me back to life.
God wasn't through redeeming those dark days. He opened a door for me to serve a wonderful congregation that has welcomed and supported my ministry wholeheartedly. I'm blessed to be the pastor and a member of God's family at St. Andrews Baptist Church. 
During my fifties, my parents' generation of our family circle grew smaller. Several beloved uncles and aunts finished their journey. Two years ago, my Mom went home. As difficult as seeing her in the nursing home sometimes was, and as much as I hurt to see many of her memories fade, she ended her earthly journey free and joyful and loving. A good ending is a great thing. I lost many heroes in the past ten years: ministry mentors like Fred Craddock and Bobby Morrow, musical heroes like Doc Watson, Earl Scruggs, and Joe Cocker. Some days I feel as though I'm running out of heroes. That, at times, is a lonely feeling.
My home church closed its doors to combine congregations with another church. I grieve the end of East Park Baptist Church, but am grateful its ministry in my life goes on and its ministry to Greenville has made a new beginning. I was honored to be asked to return home to preach on one of the church's final Sundays at 12 Ebaugh Avenue.
My dad passed away in 1981 at the age of 55. His early death taught me that life is a gift and a miracle not to be taken for granted. I receive each day with gratitude. Through the highs and lows of my fifties, God has blessed me with a truly abundant life. May God do the same for you.
I'm rejoicing with you, my friend.
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