Happy New Year, beautiful people!
I am so excited to begin the next phase of my “Cyntsational” life. God has been good to me! Acts 1 and 2 have been amazing. Act 3 starts now, at age 65! I am one of four million baby boomers who turned 65 in 2024. I’ve been 65 for 17 days, and I love it. I feel experienced, energized and wise.
I’ve read a few things about turning 65. Medicare eligibility, retirement, new aches and pains, and so on, are often written about, so let’s skip all that for now. I want to talk about the theme of “65 and chosen.” My word for 2025 is “chosen.”
In September 2022, I was blessed to publish a book entitled You’ve Been Chosen. In a nutshell, the book is about being chosen for the good, bad, great and ugly things in life, and no matter what, God and great people always show up. Sometimes we are uniquely chosen to go through things, and other times we are the ones chosen to help someone else endure. I want to be mindful this year about being the one who God has chosen to show up for others.
There’s much to do and a lot of good trouble to get into. Cancer is running rampant. Many people need my “cancer comfort box” of goodies. Some people are discouraged and need some “my-two-Cynts” encouragement. Mentors are needed to help guide pathways. Resources are needed to help people achieve their dream of taking that next step out of high school. Some are crying on the altar of their doorstep and need a hand to wipe away the tears and lift them off their knees. Others need someone to bend with them as they hit their knees (my mother would call this joining someone in their “kneeology class”). My point is that I know I’m chosen, based on my experiences and skill set, to show up. Chosen to lend a hand. Chosen to lift and connect. Chosen to make things better.
I’ve been on the other side of chosen a lot in my life. The side where people showed up for me. In 2025, I am intentionally leaning into the side of chosen where I want to be – by divine appointment – there for others. I have some experience on this side of chosen; I want more.
What are you chosen to do in 2025? Where are you chosen to go? Who are you chosen to touch? Matthew 22:14 says, “Many are called but few are chosen.” And while, the spiritual meaning of this passage is deeper and requires another My Two Cynts, the “Cyntiment” 😂 is similar. We are often called upon and sought after for many things. A broad call goes out and we either answer or not. But, for me, it’s time to reflect on what is it, specifically, that I am chosen to do, for Act 3.
Lord, who will you have me serve? Who and what will you have me touch? Where do you want my block-heel pumps and sneakers to tread? Choose me to provide insight, inspiration, and impact. Use my head, heart, and hands. Make your choices clear. Guide my 365-day journey.
I’m walking into 2025 with energy, excitement and more available time. I’ve been chosen! You’ve been chosen! We’ve been chosen!
Ready. Set. Let’s Go!