The debate was “live” on June 27^th but, in the nearly three weeks since, the highlights and lowlights have been replayed ad nauseum. Among the takeaways is a macro-understanding that is missing among too many. What should we all understand – about their stories, and about our own?

Old guys can occasionally offer substantial wisdom, developed over extended lifetimes. Example: Moses gets top-tier billing across Bible history. His timeless insight, still important for you and for me to have in mind:

“Seventy years are given to us! Some even live to eighty. But even the best years are filled with pain and trouble; soon they disappear, and we fly away… Teach us to realize the brevity of life, so that we may grow in wisdom” (from Psalm 90).

Moses says, “Teach us.” Obviously, there are some crucial lessons about life that cannot be learned unless we invoke God as our instructor. Why? “So that we may grow in wisdom.” How so?

Plan for the max: God gives us a maximized planning horizon of 80. How can we rise above the tactical efforts that seem to make the moments better by addressing the decades of life strategically?

Here’s what I’ve learned, from Scripture, and from life: things begin to make sense when we know what to expect before we happen on scene with predictive reality. Life unfolds in seasons; each holds opportunity while allowing ignorant distraction. What are life’s predictable seasons?

Season #1: Learn. From birth to 20, the assignment is meaningful education, founded on timeless biblical truth. Some finish before 20; some beyond, but during those years, it’s time to cram.

Season #2: Launch. From 20 to 40, you’re in your rookie years, and getting your act together is the critical and responsible priority. Career start and restart is allowed; a life partner with mutual commitment and planned parenthood – that welcomes the next gen into your family system – is a divinely-directed focus. Establishing a home – and a community – holds rest-of-life value. Settle in… and don’t foul-out.

Season #3: Lead. From 40-60, it’s prime time for your life. Climb the ladder as far as your design allows and serve with integrity while building your reputation for significant influence. This is when you harvest the bounty that was first planted during the decades of launching that happened during your Launch season. Networks established in your 20s/30s will grow into power-centers in your 40s/50s.

Your focus will be on your leadership territory, and your efforts to demonstrate historic value are valid.

Season #4: Legacy. From 60 – to the finish – you’re now in Legacy Land. The net worth of life – gathered through the prior seasons – is now re-invested into Season #3 Leaders who are in the next generation. No longer large and in charge, Season #4 is when Super Heroes emerge whose impact becomes 100x as they demonstrate the incredible superiority of influence passed down to virtual progeny. These are the men and women whose life potential is amplified because of the blessing bestowed by the elders. They’ll thrive through the elites who enjoyed their time leading but have wisely deferred to their successors to ensure that what they started will continue beyond their own life horizon.

This morning’s missive is for you: I’m asking if you’re in-touch with the brevity of your own life. It won’t go on forever; you’re in a season right now that holds opportunities that are germane to the moment and critical for your future. Are you doing what you need to be doing during these years that will positively impact your future years? Are you growing in wisdom?

I’m too old to run for President; so are our current candidates. For me: I’ve finished my Leading season. Today’s all about Legacy, from now until the finish line! 

What’s now for you? What’s next for you?

Bob Shank