Ever been asked about your greatest achievement? How do you think your age impacted your answer? Is it behind you or before you?
Documenting and cataloging our achievements helps us keep score. Likely helping us measure against another human’s achievements. The achievements of mankind are epic and frankly hard to live up to. I remember thinking about Alexander the Great conquering the known world in his 30’s while I was still in my 20’s. I guess, that represents the greatest achievement of a modern man. Hard for every man after him to compare to that achievement. What would I conquer? Now, I know the biggest thing my twenty-something self needed to conquer was youthful fears.
I know now, that I’ve already achieved more than Alexander. I made it to my forties. HA!! It turns out, most of our greatest achievements are personal victories that likely mean very little to the outside world. Perhaps, with a few more decades worth of birthdays I’ll conquer the remaining fears and cross a few more things off of my bucket list. Will I look back with envy or continue to look forward?
I hope to achieve a lot more things, but my some of my goals seem more modest. No less easy for me, but more simple. What energy can I put forth that will positively impact my little corner of the world every day? And, if God sees fit to let me walk this earth another 40+ years I’m sure I’ll continue to ponder this question of past, present and future achievements. I faithfully believe in an after-life. No, I won’t be back to relive my life as a bug, tree or eagle (though, wings would be cool). Hopefully, on my 90th birthday, I’ll still see the potential for greatness ahead.
