Robert Wolgemuth, Gun Lap: Staying in the Race with Purpose (aff). Nashville: B and H Publishing Group, 2021. 226 pgs.
This book is different from what I typically read. Robert Wolgemuth, my father’s and my literary agent, wrote it. He has been many bestselling Christian authors’ literary agent. Wolgemuth is an articulate, intelligent, wise man who has hung out with the most influential Christian thinkers and writers for the last four decades.
I was talking with him about having recently observed a milestone birthday, and he generously sent me a copy of this book. The title caught my attention. I have never done any competitive running, so I was unfamiliar with the concept of a “gun lap,” which is the lead runner’s last lap. At the sound of the gun shot, everyone knows the race is nearing its end, so they better give it their best effort.
This book is geared toward men who are entering the “gun lap” of their life, which he suggests begins at around age 55.
Much of this book resonated with me and my experience. I am keenly aware that I no longer have the physical strength and endurance I once had. But I have more wisdom, knowledge, experience, and contacts than I have ever previously possessed. In many ways, these years ought to be when I accomplish my best work. Unfortunately, it is during many men’s gun lap that they discover the consequences of bad decisions they have made.
Wolgemuth does a great job unpacking the influential men in his life. His grandfathers and his father impacted him for both good and ill. Robert describes how he purposefully “culled” through the traits in his ancestors he did not want to exhibit in his life. He notes that we are not obligated or predestined to be just like those who passed their genes down to us. Some bad habits and attitudes need to be thoroughly and decisively rejected.
Wolgemuth also discusses marriage. He was married to his first wife, Bobbie, for 44 years. After she passed away from stage IV ovarian cancer in October 2014, Wolgemuth married Nancy DeMoss. At age 57, she had never previously been married. Only after they began dating did Wolgemuth learn that his first wife had told two people that after her death she thought he should marry DeMoss. Interestingly, my father told DeMoss several years ago that she needed a literary agent and recommended Wolgemuth.
Wolgemuth describes some heartbreaking stories of men who were hugely successful in the business world but miserably unhappy in their marriage. He offers hope that even in our later years, it is not too late to change our ways and to repair our marriages.
Wolgemuth also addresses issues such as declining health and memory that afflict most people as they age. He encourages people to take good care of themselves and do what they can to remain healthy. He suffered two forms of cancer in 2020 as he wrote this book, so he has some engaging things to say on the topic! (He also inspired me to get a few things “checked out” with my doctor.)
Wolgemuth mentions mentoring and blessing people. People have huge opportunities as they age to help others, but they often miss them. He also shares an encouraging word for people as they seek to be a positive influence on their neighbors and the people they encounter. There are many nuggets of wisdom in this book that men would do well to remember sooner rather than later.
I enjoyed this book. It certainly helped me evaluate my stage of life and think through a number of important issues. I want to end well. And as I eventually take my last lap, I want to go at a full sprint, leaving nothing on the table and having as few regrets as possible.
I’d encourage any man who is fifty or older to read this book and take time to evaluate whether he is prepared to have a successful gun lap when the time comes.
Rating: 3
