And it’s my birthday, born on Friday, December 13, 1946. You can see my reflections on the number 13, written the last time my birthday fell on a Friday, 5 years ago.

Speaking of getting old(er), I experienced a first on November 24. Once or twice a year I preach a Sunday afternoon vespers at a large retirement home in Colorado Springs. When my friend Jeannie who arranges for the guest speakers called, she extended two invitations: one to speak, the other to move in!

I guess you’re old when the retirement home you used to visit for preaching considers you old enough to join them!

I told her we thought about where we should live and had decided to stay right where we are, but thanks for the invitation.

I’m in good health and definitely not retiring…yet. Yesterday I did a wedding at a neighbor’s house, performing the ceremony and playing a bit of piano at the reception. Tomorrow I play piano for the Men’s Christmas brunch at First Presbyterian Church, Colorado Springs. (https://www.bobplayspiano.com/) And I still write the daily Ewellogy and invest in the lives of leaders and growing disciples.

Because the stakes are so high, even though you’re up-to-date on all this truth and practice it inside and out, I’m not going to let up for a minute in calling you to attention before it. This is the post to which I’ve been assigned—keeping you alert with frequent reminders—and I’m sticking to it as long as I live. (2 Peter 1.12, 13, MSG)