I just watched as Urban Meyer coached his second national championship team. He is all of 44 years old. He was first a national champion coach at age 42. Four years ago, when he was 40, he coached the University of Utah in an undefeated season, breaking into the BCS and winning the Fiesta Bowl.
Reading about Meyer's accomplishments reminded me of something: I'm running out of time to make my splash in the world. I turn 39 in just over two months.
Thomas Jefferson penned the Declaration of Independence at age 33. George Washington was 43 when he led the Continental Army against the British. Jeffrey R. Holland and Dallin H. Oaks were each 39 when they were named president of Brigham Young University. Joseph Smith was 38 and a half when he was killed. Barak Obama was 43 when he was elected the junior senator from Illinois. JFK was 44 when he was elected president.
I wonder if this is what motivates mid-life crises. Somewhere around age 40, men realize that they haven't yet made their mark in the world, so they begin casting about for things to do. When they can't find anything, they cover up their lack of accomplishment with a really cool motorcycle.
So anyway, I figure I've got about five years to do something cool--either that or visit the local Harley dealer.
