Forty

Lordy, Lordy, look who's Forty!

Yes, Lord,
today is my Fortieth birthday.
Many times I see 40 celebrated
with black balloons.
Some say,
"It's all downhill from here.
Welcome to Mid-life."

Lord,
I have been reflecting
on turning 40.
I remember
there are a lot of 40s
in the Bible.
40 days and 40 nights
40 years

Some scholars say
the biblical use of 40
is a symbolic way to say,
"A long time".

As I reflect on these biblical 40s,
I notice significant things happen
after 40:
The rainbow after
40 days and 40 nights of flooding.
The gift of the 10 commandments after
40 days and 40 nights of Moses on Mt Sinai.
Entering the promised Land after
40 years of wondering on the wilderness.
David defeated Goliath after
40 days of Goliath taunting Saul’s army.
Elijah heard the still small voice of  God after
40 days and 40 nights of fleeing Jezabel.
Lord Jesus, Your conquering of temptation and starting your ministry after
40 days and 40 nights of fasting.

Lord,
I wonder:
what significant things
will happen in my life and ministry
after 40?
I am excited
to see you at work
in my 40s.

Amen.