(As one who doesn’t do too well without structure in his life and work, I’ve fallen into the habit of “scheduling” certain major milestones into my life.  Though the first 32 yrs. haven’t necessarily gone according to plan, I’d certainly be OK seeing at least a few of these hurdles cleared in a timely, orderly fashion.  List subject to change, per my whims, circumstances, and the occasional reality check…)

By Age 34:

  1. Either settled into a youth/family ministry position within a growing, passionate, missional church family, or well on my way in a teacher certification program (not Plan A, but a plan nonetheless – I could think of worse things than being the only male a lot of little kids talk to each day).
  2. Spend a week camping, somewhere (possibilities include long-neglected Olympic National Forest, and a canoe trip that has been bantied about with a friend).
  3. Trade in my Civic for a convertible (everybody hates Convertible Guy.  At least, until that first sunny day of the year.  Then Convertible Guy, mildew-y interior and all, has the last laugh…).

By Age 35:

  1. Hike the West Coast Trail (a week of beach hiking on Vancouver Island, B.C., complete with waterfalls, shipwrecks, and amazing scenery along the way).  Will require a few months of training, and I’ll need 1-2 others in my party…any takers?
  2. Write a book, or at least map out the framework for one.  I’ve got a few bouncing around my head, and just need to get my blood boiling enough to purge those words from my head.
  3. Sign a mortgage on a house.  This buyer’s market has about 2-3 years left in it, my sources tell me, so I hope I can jump in the pool before everyone else decides to back in.
  4. Take another exegetical seminary class (one that pieces apart a section of the Bible).  Such an enriching process (which makes you both want to rip your hair out, and know God more).
  5. Reduce my total personal debt by 25% (100% would be nice, but I’m realistic).

By Age 40:

  1. Spend a month in Italy.  Like pretty much everyone who’s ever had the travel bug, Italy tops my “someday” list.  However, I’ve always wanted to save Italy for something special, potentially with someone special.  So, whether or not there’s a ring on my finger by then, I’m spending a month in the Tuscan hillsides, sipping fine chianti and touring historic cattedrales.  (*a friend observed that, if I’m married by 40, this is a win-win for my future spouse…for cryin’ out loud, who’s gonna say no to a pre-planned trip to Italy?)
  2. Have another missions stint in the works, or under my belt.  Life is meant to be lived serving, learning, and worshipping, and this happens nowhere better than in a cross-cultural missions setting.  I imagine God will point me back in this direction before long, both for the work I could do in that country, and to refresh me for future pursuits.
  3. Eliminate my non-house debt.  A wise counsel once told me that, if you wish to make yourself available to be used by God, you must first eliminate debt.  I would add sin to that list, but that’s another discussion for another day.  Let’s stick to the money thing…

By Age 50:

  1. Hmm.  I’ve never thought about this one before.  I need to chew on this for awhile…
  2. (I thought of one!)  Check another continent off the “need-to-visit” list.  I’m currently up to four, and can realistically get South America and/or Australia out of the way in the coming years.  Antarctica’s going to be tricky, but my geology creds might get me out there to see the penguins.  Yup, I expect that Bachelor of Arts degree will open some pretty big doors. 

 By Age 80:

  1. I’m hoping just to make it this far.  I can’t think of any other men in my family that have in recent generations.  Everything after this will be gravy.

If I ever get engaged:

  1. I’ve already got my elaborate proposal all mapped out.  She’s gonna be blown away, and my name will be spoken of in legend for years to come.  An amazing plan, yet beautiful in its simplicity.  We’ll fill in a few key details later (I imagine a name would be helpful). 

If I have children someday:

  1. By their 10th birthday(s), my kids will have experienced authentic international travel in some form (missions trips or otherwise, not revolving around a hotel or resort).
  2. By their 15th birthday(s), my kids will be able to independently negotiate their way through a foreign bus/train system (like a local).
  3. By their 20th birthday(s), my kids will have planned and experienced their own international travels. 
  4. By their 30th birthday(s), my kids will probably obsess over silly life lists like this one, driving their friends nuts!

When I die:

  1. I want to be cremated, given a simple memorial service with lots of laughter, and have the ashes taken to Jerusalem and spread inside the Old City (where pilgrims from all corners of the world would pick me up on their shoes, and take me home with them).

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(Critique and suggestions welcomed, and most likely ignored.  How could you improve on the perfect plan?)