Yep. Fifty years old. That merits a few observations—fifty observations.

God loves you. No matter what.
Humility is always welcome.
Ice cream = happiness. When happiness fades, buy more ice cream.
Eat your fruit and veggies too. We like you healthy.
A good wife, who can find? I’m still amazed I did.
Tell people you love them. You never hear it enough.
Dogs are a gift to humans. Cats think they are.
Ride a bike. You feel like a kid again.
Read. Every day. Its food for your brain. And your soul.
Spend less time on screens. (Ope. You’re reading this on a screen.)
Get outdoors. “Blow the stink off,” as my Gran said.
Patience. It’s a virtue worth the wait.
Eat good food. Exercise your tastebuds as God intended.
Go places. Experiences shape you. You need shaping.
Hair really does relocate as you age. Weird.
Treasure family. God gifted you one to another.
Friends are a gift. Treasure them too.
Pray for others. Pray with others. More.
Write. It helps you think. Especially if you think you aren’t a writer.
Have tea and talk, Grandma K said. At least talk.
Be transparent. You need people to know the real you.
Disagree without being disagreeable. And drop the ostensible outrage.
Why so serious? Get over yourself.
Sing. And dance. A lot. Make people wonder..
Mayonnaise is still better than ketchup on fries. Try it.
Honor others above yourself. Life is better that way.
Trust God. And others. Faith makes you stronger.
Cry when you need to. It lubricates the soul.
Laugh more. Really. Why so serious?
Nap. You’re a better you if you do..
Empathy may be the greatest act of compassion you can exercise.
Forgiveness may be the greatest gift you can give. Even to yourself.
Fluffy slippers. Because comfort is a virtue.
Listen. You learn things.
Reflect. You learn more things.
God’s grace should amaze you. If not, ask Him.
Exercise faith. We need you beyond what you imagine.
Go to the edge. Scare yourself. A little.
Butter makes everything better. You know it’s true.
Belong to a church. Really belong.
Give yourself to others. You receive more in return.
Spend yourself for others. Your reward will be greater.
Chocolate. Have a stash. You never know when you need it.
Engage the Bible like your life depends on it. It does.
Pay attention. Don’t miss life.
Age is just a number. Says old people.
A day without peanut butter is not a day. Chester says so.
I have a lot to say about food. Don’t try to psychoanalyze why.
Be otherish. It’s God powered, self sacrificing, and other focused.
Follow Jesus.

If you want to go back and read my Forty post from 10 ten years ago just for fun, click here. Beyond that, if you made it this far, it may be because you love me—or that you’re just a curious type—either way, please know that my life is all the better for knowing you. I am blessed. By you. Thank you.