So, another decade has come and gone. I’ve officially passed from twenty-something to thirty-something. This is supposed to be one of those milestone birthdays… the big 3-0. But as I have spent the day contemplating my life thus far and my plans for future decades I am struck by how profoundly commonplace this day seems.

Despite having a gaggle of friends turn up on Facebook and other social networks to wish me good tidings, we had an average Saturday. Morning filled with our bi-weekly library and grocery shopping trip, home for lunch and an afternoon nap. Then as a bit of a special treat, Teresa and I went out to eat and then walked around Target aimlessly. I picked up a Redbox and enjoyed a movie after coming home.

Actually, that date night provides an interesting microcosm for my life as a whole. I have always tried to enjoy the simple pleasures. Teresa and I have been married for more than 10 years and I genuinely enjoy spending time with her. I don’t care what we do together. I also love good food and drink and am easily entertained. But most profound is the wandering metaphor. I feel as though I have spent 30 years wandering through life. I still don’t feel as though I’ve arrived.

I don’t think I’m in bad company though. King Solomon said in Ecclesiastes that there is nothing better for a man than to eat and drink and enjoy his lot in life. And the Apostle Paul admitted that he hadn’t attained the goal. But we share the same ambition, pushing ahead reaching for the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.

So what is the plan for the next 30 years? There will always be another career move, or hobby, or bill to pay. I might succeed in business. I might follow my dreams. I might fail horribly. However, all of those things might describe me, but they do not define me. I could feel empty as I look back on 30 years with nothing to show for it, however I’m not defined by the things I have or have not done. The gospel defines me. When Christ died on the cross, he made me new and replaced my fallen identity with his righteousness. When he rose he gave me new life, not this meaningless existence. I no longer live my life alone under the sun, now I live through Christ under the rule and reign of God my king.