The Bucket List

Ephesians 6:19-20

Pray also for me, that whenever I speak, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may declare it fearlessly, as I should.

The bucket list.

Do you have one? For years I didn't think I did. But then I reached an age of looking back. I had to consider whether I'd accomplished the things I'd set as goals (aka bucket list.) Yes, some of the ideas I conjured came to fruition.

• I'd finally completed my bachelors degree at age 48.
• We'd raised the kids to be adults who care about others and give back.
• I gave myself the freedom to let my hair grow into its natural color.
• I had a few of my writings published.  
• Tim and I moved into a condo and see it as our home for the rest of our days.
• At 60 I finally got to journey to Maine.
• And I retired.

Yes, some of my bucket list is complete. But what about the opportunities Jesus offers me now. Or the nudges I receive from the Holy Spirit.

Sometimes when God calls me to check off or accomplish an item on His list, I react with fear. That's not new to me. I've been fearful of failure most of my life. My anxiety shoots up and leaves me frozen.

I completed my degree, but not without hesitation. We reared the kids, but not without doubts, then there's my writing. That draws out the fear like nothing else. Yet, each time God calls me and adds an item to my list, He fills me with his confidence and equips me to complete the work.

The apostle Paul requested prayer for his ministry. He asked his friends to pray that in spite of fear, he would accomplish his calling. You know what? God answered his prayer. The Holy Spirit worked through Paul and gave him courage to live for Jesus and to share the gospel with everyone. And he'll do that for us, too.

"Life is filled with bucket lists. When God nudges us, step out on faith and check off the bucket opportunities that God gives us." -Tim McGinnis

Dreams and Bucket Lists

A trip to Maine had been on my bucket list for years. When Tim and I made the journey, I was determined to see puffins. On our third day in the beautiful state, we climbed aboard a boat and sailed out toward Eastern Egg Rock Island. The overcast day made for good picture taking. But the choppy waters challenged me. I held on to the rail, balanced myself and my camera and shot photos of the floating birds. They bounced on the water, I bounced on the boat, but I did it. I captured those cute little fellows in their environment. At sixty years old, I accomplished my dream. 

Atlantic Ocean Puffin

Best Birthday E.V.E.R.

Bucket list—a list of goals or accomplishments to be achieved by a set time.

To celebrate my fifty-ninth birthday, my husband Tim and I traveled to one of our favorite destinations—Marblehead, Ohio. We went to visit the the oldest lighthouse in continuous operation on the United States side of the Great Lakes. On that lovely eighty-degree day we gathered at the base of the lighthouse with a group of folks who intended, as we did, to climb to the top and view Lake Erie.

I'll admit, it was a struggle for me. My arthritic knee, and my new knee (replaced almost two years ago) made the journey literally one step of the seventy-seven at a time. Thanks to Tim's encouragement, I made it to the top. And the view was totally worth it! I loved looking out over the Lake. We caught sight of Kelleys Island, Cedar Point, and the water that rippled for what seemed like forever. As we chatted with fellow climbers, we learned that several of them were afraid of heights. Yet because we wanted this experience, we overcame our fear and enjoyed the incredible beauty below. Being so close to the light reminded me how both male and female lighthouse keepers-centuries before-carried heavy buckets of whale oil up the steps, no matter what season, and kept the light shining for oncoming ships. I gained an appreciation for their daily tasks.

The descent challenged me even more. Yet I'd probably do it again. But just in case I never have another opportunity, I crossed that one off my bucket list. Wonder what else I can do before I turn sixty. 

What's on your bucket list?

Best Birthday E.V.E.R.

Bucket list—a list of goals or accomplishments to be achieved by a set time.

To celebrate my fifty-ninth birthday, my husband Tim and I traveled to one of our favorite destinations—Marblehead, Ohio. We went to visit the the oldest lighthouse in continuous operation on the United States side of the Great Lakes. On that lovely eighty-degree day we gathered at the base of the lighthouse with a group of folks who intended, as we did, to climb to the top and view Lake Erie.

I'll admit, it was a struggle for me. My arthritic knee, and my new knee (replaced almost two years ago) made the journey literally one step of the seventy-seven at a time. Thanks to Tim's encouragement, I made it to the top. And the view was totally worth it! I loved looking out over the Lake. We catch sight of Kelleys Island, Cedar Point, and the water that rippled for what seemed like forever. As we chatted with fellow climbers, we learned that several of them were afraid of heights. Yet because we wanted this experience, we overcame our fear and enjoyed the incredible beauty below. Being so close to the light reminded me how both male and female lighthouse keepers-centuries before-carried heavy buckets of whale oil up the steps, no matter what season, and kept the light shining for oncoming ships. I gained an appreciation for their daily tasks.

The descent challenged me even more. Yet I'd probably do it again. But just in case I never have another opportunity, I crossed that one off my bucket list. Wonder what else I can do before I turn sixty. 

What's on your bucket list?