This weekend, I celebrated my birthday, and I am beyond thankful for the opportunity to walk into year 34, and I’m so excited for what it will bring. With many welcome challenges ahead, I also feel a peace and calming energy with me, propelling me as I move forward. I know this to be the spirit of God.
I have areas in my life that deserve a little more attention, so I’m looking forward to a bit of lifestyle resetting that I believe will serve me well. It is, after all, fall, and the season is telling.
Some of these areas of reset are personal, some spiritual, and some creative—a triad of endless intersections. I am also interested in exploring the importance of using one’s gifts.
One highlight from my birthday weekend was seeing Stevie Wonder perform at the Target Center. More than anything, it was inspirational—what a powerful thing to see the lasting impact of lifelong work. I fear we don’t see many artists like Stevie today, and I fear we’re not becoming like Stevie today, or Steve Jobs, or Walt Disney, or Prince—people who had gifts and convictions and changed the world.
I don’t want my gifts or my life to go unnoticed while I still have time on this earth. I don’t want to be distracted by faulty pursuits. I also don’t want to become successful in the wrong way: “For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul?” – Mark 8:36
“For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul?” – Mark 8:36
So, again, I’m looking forward to what 34 will bring. Calibrating to this moment will be challenging; I thank God for the support system He’s given me on this earth to encourage me as I try to move forward.
But before I close, I must relay that, through all my “successes,” I am realizing there is a level of drive I haven’t reached yet, and I believe 34 will be the year I truly begin to operate on a new and stellar level… (In Jesus’ name, I pray).
—TJ
