A friend asked me yesterday if I feel any different, and honestly I don't. However, I am aware that I am stepping into another decade of life, specifically the second decade of adulthood. In my late teens I set a goal of becoming a millionaire by age thirty. I'm grateful to say that I haven't achieved that goal. Grateful, because I don't believe that I'm ready for the responsibility that comes with that kind of wealth.
A couple of months ago a friend of mine who turned thirty last year sent me a document, a sort of guidebook that he had compiled when he turned thirty. What he did was ask a dozen or so older men to give him counsel for the next decade of his life from the experience of the miles they have traveled. He asked them "Where should a man be at 30? What should the decade of the thirties be all about? What are the pitfalls? What would you change about your thirties if you could go back and do it again?"
As I read through these men's responses, a few really jumped out at me:
One man said that the core drives of the 30's are: To get something going, to make a name for yourself, and to make a little money - Resist these, rather than be seduced by money, live a normal life, its not about the money.
Another said enjoy your wife and kids - You won't be available much beyond your domain, that's OK and even good.
Several of them stressed the importance of key relationships: With mentors who speak into your life. With peers who you walk through life with...and don't discount the impact you can have on younger men.
Another man offered this gem, Get up early, be with God - when you do this there will be a shift from you doing it for God to you doing it for you.
There was more...much more. True wisdom from Godly men. I'm so grateful to have it as I head into this next decade of life. I'm also so thankful for Amy and our kids, our friends and all that God has blessed us with.
Congratulation, Jon!
In 10 days I can ask the same questions. I have still 10 days left to reach my first million :-)
Posted by: _dave_ | Saturday, January 06, 2007 at 04:54 AM
It is funny to think of how fleeting your time is here now that you have lead me to know the significance of it. Happy Birthday Jon! I'm glad that you are still here with the rest of us humans.
Posted by: Ben | Monday, January 08, 2007 at 01:27 AM
Happy birthday Jon and i wish you all the best !
Posted by: Manlynux | Sunday, February 18, 2007 at 03:49 PM
rHAiyU Good point. I hadn't tuhohgt about it quite that way. :)
Posted by: Conyers | Thursday, April 14, 2011 at 04:56 AM