At age 68 one thing I do think about is my mortality. When one is in their 20-30s, 68 is o-o-o-l-l-l-d! Now that I’m there (or is that here?), not only does that seem old but the 30s, even 40s, seem so young. 🙂 I see youthful vigor, dreams and aspirations and have to admit a little bit of envy creeps in. I realize I’m on the downside, that I have a lot less years to live than what I have already lived.
But I also know I want to finish well. It is not enough to start well. Finishing well is equally or even more important.
I’m thinking this morning of King Hezekiah. The Bible says there was no king like him before or after. He changed the whole religious landscape of Judah. But when Isaiah told him to get his house in order, he whined and begged for more years. God-for some reason-granted him his request and gave him 15 more years. But, oh, what a mess they turned out to be! He became proud of what he had and showed off to a Babylonian envoy all he had. History shows Manasseh, one of the worst and most evil kings ever, was born to him during this time.
Hezekiah may have started well, but he didn’t finish so well. He should have listened to Solomon’s words in Proverbs 21:21- “Whoever pursues righteousness and unfailing love will find life, righteousness, and honor.”
I have no idea (no one does) what God has in store for my future. I hope, personally, that I am granted years to continue preaching the message of God’s love and grace from the pulpit and in life. I do not know what will transpire, but I do know this: I want to finish well. This race is a long-distance run not a sprint.
“Father, may I finish well, still pursuing righteousness and unfailing love until my last breath.”
Amen!
And I’ll second you! 🙂
When I was younger, I use to think about how it would be… to be twice my age. Not sure when it began, but say at 6, I looked at the 12 year olds… almost a teenager. At 8, I just need to double to drive. At 9… I double it… I am an adult…
You get the point…
The game isn’t nearly as fun anymore.
My marathon didn’t really start until I was 20… I have veered off the track a time or two, but have always been brought back to my lane and plan to cross the finish line well. I too hope I have a number of laps left, but the interesting thing about this marathon is we never really know when we are on our last lap. We just have to keep the pace and when we cross the line.. we will know…
And to see and hear our Father in heaven say… Great Race son… that is what I want to hear.
Oh yeah. I want to hear that as well Ryan. I may not have come in first place but to know I was faithful, finished well and to hear those words is worth it all.
May we all finish well the race that God has laid out for us.
Blessings, Bill!
Amen Martha. And it is important what you said: the one laid out for us.