40 - it’s a number, an interesting number, a number that has been significant at different times throughout history.
For example, Noah spent 40 days in the Ark. Moses wandered the wilderness with Israel for 40 years. Jesus fasted and was tested 40 days in the desert. Then after His resurrection He appeared 40 days before ascending to Heaven. There are many other examples throughout history but they are too numerous to mentioned here.
As for me, I can by no means compare my life to the above significant things, however, 40 is a milestone I’ve reached today - 40 years to be exact.
As they say, “life comes at you fast”! Whoever coined that phrase was dead on! I’ve been reflecting a lot about life this week and especially as today is significant for me.
I look back on the four decades that I’ve been blessed to be on this earth and through every joy, pain, hardship, and success - I’m very thankful to be blessed to wake up and just breathe, live, grow, contribute and hopefully live and leave a legacy.
I’m thankful for and blessed to have the family and friends that I do. I’m thankful and blessed to be working and have a ministry to fulfill in my local church.
I don’t understand every part of that last four decades but I know God has strengthened me through everything and He knows and holds the key to what lies ahead in the future. Again, I’m thankful for every bit of it!
My hope and prayer for this day and moving forward is that with God’s help, my family’s help, and friends’ help, is that I continue to grow in being and be faithful to be a better Husband, Father, Friend, Pastor, Employee, and Citizen.
I want to especially thank my wife of almost 16 years and for my kids – I definitely wouldn’t be who I am without you!
Thank you God, family, friends, and co-workers for being a part of my life and for being a huge part in helping me become who I am today!
So here’s to the last four decades and to however many more I’ll be blessed to have in the future!
With Sincere Love and Thanks on this special day,
Randolph Koch
"give thanks to the LORD, for He is good, For His lovingkindness is everlasting." -Psalm 107:1