At 54, I’ve discovered something I didn’t fully appreciate when I was younger:
Having something to look forward to matters more than I ever realized.
Maybe it’s because life feels different now. My son is approaching 30. My daughter is 25. I have a grandchild who has already taught me that “Grandpa” feels both strange and wonderful. And at the same time, I still have a 15-year-old at home who reminds me daily that I’m not nearly as old as I sometimes feel.
Somewhere along the way, I’ve found myself living in multiple generations at once.
And perhaps because of that, I’ve spent more time thinking about what comes next. Not in a fearful way, but in a grateful one. What experiences do I still want to have? What memories do I still want to make? What stories do I still want to be part of?
That’s why this month’s cover profile with David and Deborah Batson resonated with me so deeply.
After 46 years of marriage, raising a family, building careers, and navigating all the seasons life brings, they’ve discovered something many of us hope to find: joy in the season they’re living right now. They travel. They learn. They spend time with grandchildren. They encourage one another’s interests. And perhaps most importantly, they always seem to have something to look forward to.
A trip. A project. A family adventure. Another memory waiting to be made.
As I’ve gotten older, I’ve become increasingly convinced that anticipation itself may be one of life’s greatest gifts.
That idea runs throughout this issue. Greg Budell reminds us to appreciate the remarkable country we call home as America celebrates its 250th birthday. Our feature on AI after 50 shows that curiosity doesn’t retire. And our Grumpy But Grateful column reminds us that some of our best memories come disguised as family road trips and overpriced Buc-ee’s receipts.
My father, Jim Watson, started BOOM! because he believed the second half of life wasn’t about slowing down. It was about continuing to grow, learn, serve, and experience all that life still has to offer.
I think he was right.
So wherever you find yourself this month, my encouragement is simple:
Plan the trip. Learn the hobby. Call the friend. Spend time with the grandkids. Make the memory.
Because perhaps the best chapters of our lives aren’t necessarily behind us.
Maybe they’re the ones we’re still excited to write.