My Way

And now, the end is near
And so I face the final curtain
My friend, I’ll say it clear
I’ll state my case, of which I’m certain
I’ve lived a life that’s full
I travelled each and every highway
And more, much more than this, I did it my way.

Musing on the old Frank Sinatra song… not because I think I’ll die soon, nor because I’m confident that I’ve made a good job of my life. Like him, I’ve been looking back… I’m owning and taking responsibility for my past.

Yesterday I chatted to Levi, a young man in his late teens. He has a girlfriend, is committed to his faith, his life before him. He reminded me of me.

I chatted to Nick, a funeral director, and Dave, a hospital chaplain; both living out their vocation. I still believe that teaching was my vocation. Following yesterday’s musing I was in touch with several people I worked with. ‘I’ve lived a life that’s full…’

Musing on 1Timothy 1:12-20. I don’t think Paul knew Frank Sinatra but I sense his sentiment was similar…

• Guilt: Frank: ‘Regrets I’ve had a few…’ Paul: ‘the worst of sinners’. I look back with regret on mistakes I’ve made…
• Gifts: There have been priceless gifts that I have received – love, family, friendship, health…
• Grace: They haven’t been because I have deserved them. We don’t get what we deserve. I don’t take the credit as Frank did.
• Grit: Frank: ‘I bit off more than he could chew… I took the blows’. Paul: ‘Fight the good fight…’ It’s not always been easy.
• Gratitude: After 70 years I’m grateful. Frank: ’I’ve loved, I’ve laughed and cried. I’ve had my fill, my share of losing…’ Paul, with his strong faith: ‘To the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God be honour and glory for ever and ever.’

I identify with both.