I got a record player.  

Yes, I know I can download every song on the planet to my phone, get my Bluetooth and listen to any or all of those songs whenever I please.   But, I got a record player nonetheless.

In a couple weeks I will turn 60 years old, ugh! Can’t believe I am saying that out loud!  When I turned 50 if felt like a hurdle to climb over, now 50 looks pretty inviting.

When I pull out my record player and grab my vinyl’s (Seals and Crofts, Peter Frampton, Elton John, the Eagles, the Who, Fleetwood Mac, and even Chicago…don’t judge) I hear the crackle of the needle as the music starts to play and I am transported back to the 1970’s; I can still feel my teenage heart within me. Turning 60 can’t steal that from me.

Turning 60 is an opportunity for me to look over the landscape of my life and marvel at so many incredible memories, relationships, travels, impacting occupations, and leadership opportunities I’ve had the pleasure of experiencing! I have enjoyed a richly blessed life and I am so grateful for them all.

Yet, in looking over the landscape of life I also recall many moments of sadness, sickness, loss, challenging changes, financial lack, and broken relationships. These experiences were difficult to walk through yet they also impacted the person I am today. In hindsight these experiences humbled me, taught me, challenged my character, and forced me to forgive. I believe I must also look at those hard times with gratefulness.

So, as I turn 60 I’ll enjoy my new record player, perhaps at 65  I’ll get a tattoo, at 70 I might even skydive!! Who knows? What I do know is that life is a gift and as difficult as it feels to turn 60 I am incredibly thankful for every blessed year I have been given and will continue to use the years ahead of me to make a difference wherever I can.

“Summer breeze, makes me feel fine, blowing through the jasmine in my mind”

Thank you Seals and Crofts!