As time has been going by faster and faster, it is hard to say how much I've really matured. There are many things I'm constantly working on: Finishing my Master's program with an A+ average, cleaning my house slowly but surely, taking better care of my money and getting to even and decreasing my cursing. As I listed those, I unintentionally listed them by how I'm succeeding. Getting older has never interested me. I imagined by 47 I'd be working on one Master's (done that, onto #2), have my children succeeding in school (2 in college, 1 in gifted classes, 1 an A student and a jock), married (O for 2), planning retirement (just starting, so OK there), owning a house (O for 2) and beginning to travel (almost there). As you can see great successes, great failures. I've always given myself a grade of B+ as an athlete, teacher, student, Dad and person. I give myself a C- as a husband and a C- in finances. I don't own much, but I don't owe much. So as I grow older, I still need to grow up. As I approach the magic 50, I have nothing to lose, no time to waste and although I've given credit to God, I don't lean on him enough, I try to show him I can do it alone. I need to be more appreciative by acting better. I love life, I love people, I have begun to appreciate my elders more and more. I can't help but see older women and think of my Mom. I look to tomorrow to try harder and do more. I hope whomever reads this, reflects and learns something to take with them. I love seeing goodness in others. I love nature more and seeing it less. So without pointing to a New Year's resolution already, I know what I have to do and I will do better. I will be better at those things I am weak in and I will remember that I can still have fun doing it. I have kind of had to learn that over again. Time is running and to take adavantage of it, I can only live it to it's fullest potential, if I approach it as such. Blessings for you and love, Mike
