Numbers in LifeWe count things in life.

  • Number of cars.
  • Number of kids.
  • Number of bedrooms.
  • Number of jobs.
  • Number in our paycheck.

All numbers are not bad. They may reflect a consistency, an accomplishment, or positive years forward.

For me, it is a year of numbers. My dad turned 80 years old. My mom is 75. My parents are married for 55 years now. I turned 50. All nice sounding numbers.

Life changes. Constantly. Consistently.

My parents live a different life today than they once did. Today, a week will typically include appointments with doctors, work at their church, fellowship with others, and a nap to keep spirited. It is different than before in that there are no fields to work, cows to feed, or gardens to tend to. Their work years are increasingly distant memories.

Through their hard work, though, four kids have solid lives, and many people throughout their community have been blessed by their kindness, their time, and their conversations.

Being married for 55 years sets another mile marker in life. Today, this one becomes increasingly rare. Growing up, we saw them kiss at least three times each day and a few hugs in between. No marriage is a storybook one, but theirs may be close. They worked at it. They are true partners in life, a solid approach for relationships.

Numbers in life can you hit you at times.

I’ll be honest; turning 50 is different than others. It isn’t bad, just different. I started writing a post about 50 on 50, highlighting things to do, not do, or just lessons learned in my life. Maybe I’ll finish it. Maybe it represents my life – undone, meaning much more to do.

People often ask you numbered questions about your life:

  • How old are you?
  • How many years have you been married?
  • How many kids do you have?
  • How many bedrooms does your home have?
  • How many people do you manage?

There needs to be a twist on our numbers.

The real questions should be:

  • How many years have you been living your purpose?
  • How many years have you made the most out of your relationships?
  • How many youth, families, or others have you helped?
  • How many people have you guided to become better leaders or team members?

There are numbers that matter in life. We just need to focus on the right ones.

What other numbered questions should we really ask and embrace in life and leadership?