And the years keep rolling by

Now that my age has caught up, I still love to listen to — and, yes, sing — some of the classic folk rock, rock and country songs that are rich on lyrics, as well as musicality.

As we enter Thanksgiving week and the 60th anniversary of the assassination of John F. Kennedy, as well as the 55th anniversary of the Farmington Mine Disaster, I’ve been thinking back to years gone by, the times I’ve seen and the people I’ve met.

I feel grateful to have been able to make my life here in North Central West Virginia, my birthplace and where my family’s roots go back to some of the original settlers.

There have been ups and downs for me, and I’m sure those will continue. That’s life. But the blessings have outnumbered the tribulations; the friends have outnumbered the enemies (or at least I think); and the good times have outshone the bad.

I’ve written before about finding a way to see the beauty in the world, even when the ugly threatens to cloud our view. To look for the child-life wonder we’re blessed with in youth — even when age has soured us or, at the very least, wised us up.

Music helps me do that, whether playing it, as I did for years, or now just enjoying listening to others.

I’ve noted before that my tastes in music are far-reaching, and I believe that helps me be a more well-rounded and well-versed person. I can find peace and beauty in the songs of great singers or in the outstanding performances of symphonies.

I can listen to jubilant Christian or gospel music to find peace and inspiration. And I can find joy in the words of a Broadway show tune.

There are few rock and country acts that I don’t enjoy — listing them would require more space and time than I have — so take my word for it.

Having spent some time as a disc jockey earlier in life, I will sometimes look back on those days and pull music from some of the great country classics — from Cash to Waylon, Willie and Merle.

My hope in the coming days, besides finding time for family and friends, is to make time to look back and get a better appreciation for the days behind, as well as the days ahead.

And that is my hope for each of you — that you appreciate the gift of time — with family, friends and even just by yourself.

In Harry Chapin’s song “All My Life’s a Circle,” he wrote:

No straight lines make up my life;

And all my roads have bends;

There’s no clear-cut beginnings;

And so far no dead-ends.

Whether in beautiful music, a good book, time with loved ones or a peaceful time in the Word, may you find that which makes your life the special gift from God that it is.

Give thanks for it and by all means live it to the fullest.