Why now, at 55?

A fair question

When people hear that I've only recently started sharing my music and story, the question often follows, sometimes out loud and sometimes just in their eyes. Why now? Why start something like this at 55?

It's a fair question, and I've asked it of myself more than once. The honest answer is that I'm not starting late. I'm starting when He said go.

Under a bowl

For a long time, I've kept these stories and songs to myself. I've played on many stages, and my life has been wonderful, but the deepest things the Lord has done in my life stay mostly between Him and me. My daily "quiet times" are a mix of simple praise and worship, and if I'm honest, they're rather noisy! But now I'm on a journey of simply learning to be still.

Like you, I live in a complicated world that demands my attention. My wife and I work hard to provide everything we can for our three amazing kids. There are jobs to do, bills to pay, and a family to raise.

Hindsight lets me look back and see God's hand moving in my life: the mountains that had to be moved, the rivers that needed crossing, and the refining fire at work in me. And my story is still being written, lived, loved, and experienced as I continue to walk with Him.

What the years were for

My time overseas took me through valleys deeper and darker than I knew existed. It also gave me something I'd never had before: time. Without the noise, I learned to play, to sing, and to simply be still, and know.

Musically, those years were where I gained my experience and wisdom on stage. I played anywhere and everywhere, and show after show I honed my style, my playing, and my stagecraft. I had a wonderful time, and I was privileged to share the stage with some truly amazing musicians. Looking back, all those years and all those stages were the seasoning of my craft.

I couldn't have told these stories at 25, or even at 40. I hadn't lived them yet. Every season, the hard ones most of all, was preparing the songs and stories I carry now.

God's timing is not ours

Scripture is full of people God called later in life. Abraham was 75 when he was told to leave his country (Genesis 12:4). Moses was 80 when he stood before Pharaoh (Exodus 7:7). Anna was well advanced in years when she met the infant Jesus in the temple and began telling everyone about Him (Luke 2:36–38). And Caleb, at 85, said he was as strong as the day Moses sent him out, and asked for his mountain (Joshua 14:10–12).

I'm no Abraham or Moses. But their stories tell me that God isn't bound by our timelines. He doesn't waste a single year, and He's never too late.

Why now

So why now? Because I really believe He's been nudging me to pick up the guitar, open my mouth, and simply... go!

In many ways, I feel this is what I should have been doing all along. But I don't look back with regret. I look back with gratitude, because every road I've travelled has led me here. If even one person is encouraged to press in closer to Jesus, it will all have been worth it.

It's never too late

If you're reading this and wondering whether your own season has passed, I'd gently say this: it hasn't. Whatever He's placed on your heart, it's not too late to say yes.

I am,

Your brother,

Greg.