Recently, I turned 60. An age —just as good as any—to reassess past decisions and reflect on the trajectory of the years that remain.
My birthday also prompted me to compare the Australia I grew up in – the 70s – for better or worse- with the Australia of 2025.
Growing up at the table
I was one of six children. Our parents insisted we sit together at the dinner table with the TV off.
Instead of anxiety inducing viewing, we were encouraged to discuss the day gone by and share our plans for the day ahead.
While grumbling was discouraged; taking turns to speak honestly about real concerns was highly encouraged. We felt heard and valued by each other.
Our parents, couldn’t solve the Middle East crisis, no matter how many news broadcasts they watched.
But they did have great power to equip us with something more practical: the skills to resolve conflict with one another.
In our home, it was the Bible that guided our character—rather than A Current Affair —Christ taught us life’s lessons.
As future parents, spouses, and friends, we would rely on these God-given skills to sustain lifelong relationships.
Technology vs. Relationships
Don’t get me wrong—I am grateful for some technological advances of the past five decades. But ‘time saving devices’ has rarely meant better lives.
When I consider what has truly enriched my life, it’s not spare hours a dishwasher gives me for more Netflix and TikTok.
What I am most thankful for are the relationships that have endured through the years: the healthy bonds with family, and the new friendships formed through my church.
These relationships take time, intentionality, and skill to nurture—but they are the things of joy and lasting value.
It’s not too late
The good new is, it’s not too late to change the trajectory of your life.
The old man Nicodemus discovered this when he encountered Jesus (John 3:1–21).
God always had a good future planned for each of us. But we need to stop, think and gratefully embrace it.
