Don’t Fear the Reaper

In Memoriam: Gene Frenkle: 1950 – 2000.

Turning thirty isn’t that bad. I’m serious! I just “celebrated” this milestone a few weeks back and I must say that life at thirty is not bad at all. In the days since my millstone, excuse me, milestone, I’ve had something of an epiphany. I recognized I was barely living my life. I realized that I was doing a disservice to others and myself. I needed to come alive!

You see, I always wondered what my life would be like at a particular age. As a kid, I dreamed about turning 16. At 16, I dreamed about being 21. And when I turned 21 I started forecasting what life would be like at 30. Can you see a pattern here?

I imagined I would do some incredible thing that would bring me great wealth and fame. I dreamed that I would be loved and admired and maybe people would name their children after me. I spent so much time looking forward I didn’t fully embrace all the moments and opportunities right under my nose. I had become the embodiment of the phrase, “Youth is wasted on the young”.

How many soul-enriching experiences had I failed to embrace? How many doors were just waiting to be opened? How many times had I been called to step out on faith, but I remained paralyzed with fear?

I read a quote on Facebook a few weeks ago that made me laugh. But when the chuckle was over I thought, “I want this to be true of my life.”

“I hope I’m remembered as a man, that in the morning when my feet hit the floor, the Devil says, ‘On no, he’s up again.'”

I know my failures. I’ve rued years of being a slacker. Thirty has afforded me the opportunity to look honestly at my mistakes and begin life again with a fresh resolve. That in spite of me, God is not finished with me! And He’s not finished with you either! Everyday is a gift from God to make something happen, no matter how big or small.

The title of this entry was inspired by SNL. A few seasons back there was a sketch lampooning the band, Blue Öyster Cult. It starred Will Ferrell and Christopher Walken. The producer, THE Bruce Dickinson, was recording the hit single, “Don’t Fear the Reaper”. But something in the take just wasn’t right. He needed more cowbell! And strangely enough he was right.

Now everyone knows in a heavy metal band you have to have crunching guitars, rock solid bass, slamming drums and definitely and umlaut (..), but cowbell, not so much. BUT maybe cowbell is just the right thing?

My life probably won’t be filled with amazing and glorious accomplishments. I’m pretty sure no one will name their children after me, but I can live without regret knowing that I have come alive in my conscience and conduct to live a life of service for my God. Maybe glorious things will come, but for now, I can start by playing some really slamming cowbell.

“Really explore the studio space this time.” – THE Bruce Dickinson


Other Posts You Might Like:

Communities in Schools - Laurie Templeton

Standing Tall, Falling Hard: Blessing and Curse of Free Will - Laurie Templeton

God Shouldn’t Be First In Our Lives - Casey McCollum

Encouragement - Summer Interns 2017

Short Term Mission Trips Can Change Your Life - Bob Bentley

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