One of my earliest memories is of Dad telling me a bedtime story. As a child I had a weekly comic – Robin, Beano… I read books – Noddy, Secret Seven… I watched films – Old Yeller, Dam Busters… On television I watched Andy Pandy, The Lone Ranger… At church I heard Bible stories. There’s always been stories…
The Story of my Life has humour, romance, adventure, unexpected twists, suspense… There are 9 chapters:
- Simplicity: (Childhood) Life was simple and straightforward… two parents, three brothers… home, school, church, work, play, food, sleep…
- Identity: (Teenager) I was discovering my identity… choosing to ‘follow Jesus’… doing music and sport… meeting Rachel… training to teach…
- Accountability: (Twenties) We got married, had children, led church youth groups. I started teaching… was accountable to and for many people.
- Opportunity: (Thirties) I had two promotions, three homes… enjoyed teaching… was active in church… energetic, enthusiastic, busy…
- Responsibility: (Forties) I became a headteacher… was a church deacon and church treasurer… had three teenage children…
- Mortality: (Fifties) Friends my age were ill… Several had died… I wasn’t so strong. Acutely aware of my mortality I took early retirement.
- Authenticity: (Sixties) I was no longer defined my role or responsibility. I had to re-evaluate life, rediscover an authentic ‘me’.
- Uncertainty: (Seventies) Today! I’m uncertain what the future holds… half way through an incomplete chapter.
- Eternity: Life will go on… time will go on…
Last night I was chatting with a group of friends… all in life’s latter chapters… considering Samson’s dying prayer, ‘O sovereign Lord, remember me. Strengthen me just once more.’ We talked about ‘Seize the day’, taking the opportunities we have, whilst we still have them.
Philosopher Søren Kierkegaard said: ‘Life can only be understood backwards; but it must be lived forwards.’
I look back and can tell, perhaps understand, my life’s story. It’s still unfinished. With my God’s help I’m still writing it, living it, seeking seize each day.
malcolmsmusings.org 
Happy Wednesday, Malcolm. First, I’m so happy to read your story first thing this morning after a night of little sleep. I’ve been doing a whole Bible Study and just began 2nd Samuel. The rise and fall of Saul and David…the history of our world—our successes and fails. As I read the chapters of your story I see we share a lot of similarity. In my chapter of my 30’s I made some dumb mistakes—and even dumber trying to make it up to God! And the entire time, HE was leading me and placed me in better spots. Although times were tough, HE was always there. I love how you embrace your life, your story…the story, just like the great men throughout history, have prayed such beautiful prayers to our Savior! Yes, your story isn’t over. I just turned 53, Malcolm (on Saturday). The experts say my radiation will give me 3-5 years. With typical pancreatic cancer I would’ve been dead already (so they say!). My story isn’t over. My “Expert” is Christ! HE knows. I will continue writing the story of my life. I’m not leading anymore. But I’m loving and learning. I learn a lot when I read your writing. Your wisdom is so refreshing! Thank you for living a life that inspires others, like me, to want to continue learning and living for God! Many blessings!!
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I love reading my Bible, Karla. For many years now I’ve started from Gensis on January 1st and finish at Revelation at the end of the years. This morning it was the end of Zachariah and the certain optimism of ‘The Lord will be king over the whole earth. On that day there will be one Lord, and his name the only name.’ (14:9)
Thanks for telling a bit of your story. It is the ‘life can best be understood backwards’ , especially for those with faith who can see their God’s kindness, grace and mercy.
And as for my life – it’s been since I had an official role-label that I’ve sought to be intentionally more humble and honest.
I hope and pray that you will know peace and strength within your illness and that you will continue to be a blessing to – and blessed by – friends and family each day.
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Insightful life synopsis. Thanks Malcolm.
Wish this ole ragamuffin’s life’s synopsis was as presentable ☺️. However, our God is merciful, gracious, and ever forgiving, and has taught me that my past is a place of reference to learn from, not a place of discouragement to dwell in.
Looking forward to sharing eternity with you someday brother.
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The good thing, Fred, is that our gracious God doesn’t decide who’s presentable and who isn’t, and He’s the most patient of teachers. I look forward to catching up with you, Fred!
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Sounds like a blessed life!
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Looking back, Paula, I have so much to be grateful for – often stuff that I probably took for granted at the time…
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Happy Wednesday Malcolm. Have a wonderful life. With all of us. Anita
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Thanks Anita. It’s always great to see your photographs!
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What an interesting condensed version of a life that is full of great stories. It’s clear that your story is still being written – but what a beautiful arc of life. I love your prayer at the end. Seize the day indeed!
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I have so much to be grateful for, Wynne. I don’t want to take it for granted, and I want to make the most of the God-given opportunities that remain…
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…It’s my response to Shakespeare’s ‘seven ages of man’, but that bit got cut in the edit!
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i take every chance i can get reading your musings resonate with wisdom. Each day i learn more. Thanks Malcome. See ya at Bruce n Jills when i come down for Rob and Sonia’s wedding, sept
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It’s good to hear from you Graham – as always! I hope all is well with you. I look forward to catching up with you soon.
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