It’s all good. Really.

Ah! A bold statement from a man about to sign-off on his Twenties! Perhaps so, but I’d be a fool (of those mocking, biblical, proverbial proportions!) if I didn’t take stock of my life to this point and recognise a life of blessing, favour and well – to borrow from my own alter-ego – awesomeness.

Let’s start then: I’m writing this from the comfort of my own home, safe from the unusually (and disturbingly) violent weather, sipping on expensive Speyside Malt which I myself bought in Scotland. Around me, technology and doodats lurk, each item the key to a wealth of activities. Were I to trot down the passage, past numerous other luxuries and comforts, I could poke my head into rooms which contain children – healthy, vibrant and full of potential. Further down the passage I’d hear the whispers of my sleeping wife – an attractive, young-at-heart, full-of-soul woman who keeps me trying harder – keeps me learning. Returning towards the kitchen, I’d glance lovingly at my gas hob (truly a significant achievement!) and the pair of death-by-chocolate cakes which have filled the house with almost noxious odours of extravagance. Lucky work colleagues!

I top up that whiskey then. I spy a few photos on the walls, jogging to mind the Croatian cruise Jan and I enjoyed, the Ferrari experience around Silverstone, the Venetian wanderings and Parisian nights. These alone could prove my point, but wait! Still more pictures, reminding me of musical folly with wonderful friends; family moments and their stable upbringing. Then I’m thinking of the many, many people who I count dear to me – friends, colleagues and significant others who have shared splashes of these 30 years and influenced who I am today.

Oh. And the garage of fun! I don’t dare outside to the nether regions now, but in my minds eye I picture all the hobbies, the interests, the toys and machines, gadgets and gimmicks (yes. layers of dust and spider webs too… whimper!).

This stream-of-consciousness might be coming into focus – perhaps painting a terribly material view – so let’s just change the focal length a little for completeness. Jobs. Safety. Holidays. Potential. Future prospects. Hope in myself, my family, my own family, my country. Hope in others and a belief in good.

We’re really wide-angle now!

Opportunities beyond measure, and the means to achieve many of them. A God who has instilled in me a unique and distinct personality which I have come to accept, appreciate and become oh-so-very comfortable with (yes… to the point that I have an alter-superhero-ego!). A certainty that no matter what crap this world can, does and will throw at me, there is an overriding simplicity to it all: Jesus showed us all a better way, overcame the ultimate punishment on account of my past, present and future screw-ups, consequently instilling a larger-than-life value to my day-to-day.

So, leaving the sermonising – it is this point of view which makes me realise that as the clock rolls over to mark my 3rd decade, there’s still everything to play for. This is simply an overhyped chance to take a long, inquisitive look at how incredibly fortunate I am; what immense opportunities I have; and recommit to removing any and all impediments to my greater potential as a grace-filled child of God.

It really is all good. I have an awesome life – something I plan on remembering more! Thanks for being a part of it.