Well, today I turn 50 years old. It’s hard to get around the mindset of actually being 50. When you’re younger and looking forward, 50 seems so old. As I look back I remember the good and the bad, the time well spent and the time wasted. Now with more than half of my life over (unless I live to be over 100!) I look forward and am determined to make the most of the time remaining. For me, apart from my wonderful family, what brings me the most fullfilment is spending time with those the world considers to be the “less fortunate”. For almost 20 years I have been traveling to the Philippines and building relationships with the people of “Smokey Mountain” garbage dump community. As far as I’m concerned they have helped me more than I could ever have helped them. They have taught me the meaning of contentment, the difference between compassion and pity, and how to give out of need.
In an interview not too long ago, Bono told of how he answered someone who asked him, “how can I find God?”, he answered, “spend time with the poor, because that’s where God is.”
My hope is to continue my travels in service to others for as long as this life allows.
Here’s to 50 and another 50!!