I’m in a reflective mood today, but my heart is filled with thankfulness today as I reach a milestone in my life.
At 40, I Am Grateful For Grace, Family, And The Road Ahead
My days of being called a “young man” are officially over, for today I turn 40 and begin my fifth decade of life. As I look back on the prior decades, I’m humbled by how the years have flown by but grateful for the tremendous blessings I have enjoyed during that time.
I wrote about my upcoming birthday in January and set several goals for myself. I’m working toward those goals each day, though progress is not as rapid as I’d like…the story of life. More importantly than the physical fitness regimen, I work daily to order my priorities in a way that recognizes I am no longer a child: that I have a wife, kids, and a profession to carefully steward. My prayers echo the words of Moses in Psalm 90:12, “Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.”
I’m thankful for the many opportunties I’ve experienced over the last decade, the many nations I have visited, the personal growth I’ve experienced in my profession and relationships (sometimes in the most painful of ways), and for a Christian faith that has grown more resilient as it has been tried and tested. I’m thankful for the people that have been placed into my life and while I woke up this morning singing, “When morning gilds the sky, my heart awaking cry: May Jesus Christ be praised!” (originally a German hymn called Beim frühen Morgenlicht), a line from the hymn Amazing Grace now comes to mind:
“Through many dangers, toils and snares
I have already come:
’tis grace has brought me safe thus far,
and grace will lead me home.”
We live in an uncertain time and the future is not ours to see. Even so, the lectionary reading yesterday at church included Romans 8:38-39, in which St. Paul writes, “For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
I rest on that promise and take great solace in it.
My kids are in Germany with their grandparents, so it was just Heidi and me last night…we had a very nice evening together. I fell asleep with my arm around her, passing from my 30s to 40s next to the woman I have been so richly blessed to share my life with.
I don’t mean to be sappy or overly-sentimental here…but when I reflect on my life, how can I not be overcome with gratitude for my loyal wife, beautiful children, supportive family, and great friends? And yes, for you too dear readers. How can I not be thankful for the opportunity I have to write this blog…allowing me to travel the world and make money doing so? And for the other opportunities that allow me to support my family and enjoy the great dignity of work?
It should not take a round birthday to reflect on life…that should be a daily practice. But I’m happy to reflect today on my life and while the race is not done, I’m trying to run the race well and with God’s help, I look forward to the next decade, which I hope will be my best decade ever. Thanks to all of you for the challenge and encouragement.
The picture above was taken exactly 20 years ago, when I was half my current age. I’ve enjoyed many wonderful experiences during that time, including the chance to work on Capitol Hill and in the White House…maybe one day I will return?
Welcome to Level 4. You’re still a young man, as am I at age 41. Our generation is different than those that came before us. I think in many ways life begins at 40. Congratulations!
Happy Birthday Matthew!!! Thanks for all the great content over the years!
Happy birthday, Matthew! (And happy 737 Max 7, too!)
Happy Birthday !!
Happy Birthday.
Blessings for your happiness and much more!
Happy Birthday!
Happy Birthday!
Make sure you have a will so your survivors won’t curse you for causing a lot of trouble. As far as a trust, that’s for you to decide.
Nah, no need fam; depending on what he’s workin’ with, best to keep it simple, POD/TOD.
I’m sure that Matthew & Heidi have their wills and enduring power of attorney documents well & truly sorted. They’re essential even if you’re a young, single person who owns nothing; and the more one accumulates in life, the more important they become.
Happy Birthday, Matthew! Your happiness at age 40 is a result of reaping what you sow! My life is better for having met you. Cheers, my friend!!!
Thank you for sharing your kindness and faith. May the blessings continue.
Happy birthday, Matthew! Thank you for sharing your travels, your family, and your faith with us!
Congratulations.
Happy birthday, Matthew. May God richly bless you today and every day of your life.
Happy Birthday Matt! According to my two Nephews, I’m OLD AF since I’m solidly in my 8th decade. That said, it has been my experience that the more I give gratitude, even for the littlest of things, the more blessings one my way
A very Happy Birthday, Matt ! The decade of the 40’s were my best. One top of my career game, nice home, lots of travel and good health.
Enjoy this new decade as I did. Forties are awesome and I think your head space is perfect for this new adventure.
Happy Birthday to my favorite blogger, Matthew! I can’t wait to read more of your adventures!
Happy birthday Matthew! I hope you’re enjoying your day!
You’re not old, nowadays 40 is the new 16 🙂 🙂 🙂 !!!
Jesus christ is right! herzlich geburtstag!
Happy Birthday! You’ll love your 40’s; it’s a wonderful time of life.
@Matthew Klint – Healthy Birthday!
Enjoy your 40th birthday to the fullest… Unfortunately, your 50th and 60th birthdays cannot be as enjoyable as your 40th. But what to do? That’s life, and life only!
Happy birthday, old man!
There are so many reasons to be grateful for turning a major age with gratitude for travel so many have never experienced.
It makes birthday blessings even better. I celebrated my last big birthday with a few unique flights I know for a fact none of the big bloggers have ever done on a commercial flight. 🙂
I admit that my own faith has suffered as so much of the Christian right has espoused a hateful nationalist rhetoric and made me feel like what I once knew about purported “religion” was a farce, but I’ve always appreciated your balanced approach on your blog to faith and how you make it a part of your daily life.
Here’s to your next 40 years!
@MaxPower: I share your concern, but don’t let the idolatry of Christian Nationalism cloud the Christ whose name they misappropriate.
Happy 40th, Matthew! The gifts in your life that you celebrate today are the direct result of the effort you put into living a just, moral, deeply centered life. I value you, and your blog.
Happy Birthday!
It’s a privilege & a pleasure to wish you a Happy Birthday, Matthew! Since I got turned on to LiveAndLetsFly.com, I’ve learned from other posters, and have added my own insight with my years at AA. Here’s to 40+ more!
Happy Birthday
Hope you get to take a wonderful vacation on your birthday
HA! I knew it! I can spot a fellow “Leo” miles away! Wishing you the happiest of birthdays and many more ahead. Keep blogging – they & you inspire me.
Happy birthday to my son in a million…..
I love you,
Ma
Great post! Happy birthday!
friendly question here:
how do you feel displaying religion, especially christianity in LA where it is deeply despised
did you ever consider moving to more christian friendly area?
LA is a very diverse place, including when it comes to faith. Since there is far less cultural Christianity here, I feel like the faith of the “faithful” (for lack of a better word) tends to be more genuine, since there are no societal expectations of such faith. I try to treat others as Christ taught us: with love. Therefore, I can get along with everyone here…or at least most people. Like Tim Keller felt a particular calling to NYC, so I feel a calling in LA.
It’s interesting to say LA isn’t Christian. The largest Armenian population outside of Armenia is in LA, and they’re all devoutly Christian. As are the overwhelming majority of the Latino population. A majority of the Black population attends church, as do the Syrian Christians on the Westside, the Ukrainians, Filipinos. Or even just normal Catholics. Try attending St. Monicas in Santa Monica on a Sunday. You won’t be able to find a seat. And all this makes no mention of LA’s massive Jewish population.
LA is in many ways a very religious city, but what it isn’t is American-style evangelical Christianity (though Orange County has mega churches). Most non-adherents are affluent whites, and while they are small in number overall, it’s the LA that most of the people reading this blog live in.
i notice that the attitude towards jews and muslims is more tolerant than christians
as far as blacks, latinos that are religious they dont integrate into the broader society
Thanks to everyone for the kind words!
Amen and well-said! Happy Birthday and thank you for the wonderful blog and experiences you share with us.
The happiest of birthdays to you! I’d love to trade ages with you and re-live a wonderful decade. Enjoy your amazing day!
Matt!! Hope you had a very Happy Birthday, brother!! Thanks for the love & support you’ve given me in the past. I wish you another happy 40 years, my friend.
Yes, Los Angeles isn’t the center for Christian living, but I still love living here, ever since I first moved here in 1990 as a college kid attending USC!!