I had someone say to me the other day, “Getting old s**ks.” (I can’t stand that word hence the astericks. However, it is a quote so…). While I hate the way he said it, I can’t totally disagree.
At age 71 I’m getting older. Well, so are you, but let’s think about this for a moment. As we age, lines develop on our face. We call them crow’s feet. Some develop “wisdom wrinkles” which become more prominent as one ages. Depending on your body fat, skin will hang and wiggle. Skin will get crepe-y. Bruises (blood) will show up in the arms and forearms or skin nicks will show up when you can’t even remember bumping or scraping them. Your stamina is not what it once was. For example, I used to ride 20-30 miles a day. If I do that today, I need a day or two between rides to recover. I might do 20 miles for 2-3 days in a row, but then I have to give myself a day or two off the bike.
Getting old is an adjustment, that’s for sure. That’s why I have issues with the “preacher” i.e. self-help guru who tries to tell me my best life is now. No, Joel, no it is not.
My best life is yet to come. I recently held the funeral service of a man whose last 2-3 years were spent fighting the effects of diabetes, a nasty bed sore caused by neglect of a rehab facility, the amputation of a leg at the knee, and a couple of strokes which affected his right hand strength and his communication (he could communicate but was slow in responding and putting sentences together). His best life was not now, laying in a bed. Not here. He is enjoying his best life NOW, living in the presence of the Savior he loved so much.
Do not look at your present or even your past life, as the pinnacle..as your best life. It’s not. For the follower of Jesus, the best is yet to come! That, by the way, is what the story of “Easter” is all about.
Absolute truth in all counts, Bill! I think about my mom who is there with Jesus now—all heart problems, anxieties, and worries are gone. Definitely the best life is on the horizon!
Thanks Pam. I also have a mother who is possibly introducing herself to your mother (she was very social) 🙂
Good Morning, Bill. So, so true! Many years ago, Holy Spirit spoke this to my heart, “The sunset years of life is God’s Welcome Mat.” The ABSOLUTE BEST is yet to be and I look so forward to it.
Good morning Diane! Good to hear from you. And yes, THE ABSOLUTE BEST is yet to be.
Age does have a way of catching up with us. Longer recoveries and unexplained injuries, bumps, and bruises.
I think you nailed it though, this life is not the best there is…
We are at war, not with our neighbor or even other countries, but against the real enemy. The enemy that lurks in the shadows twisting the truth and making us believe the enemy is someone who has a different political agenda or social values. Sure the enemy will use our neighbors, but He tries to use us as well to continue these skirmishes, these distractions.
Ephesians 6:12 – For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.
After the war, there will be peace. For those who do not see the end of this war, peace has already come. Until that time, we are called to be in the trenches and pushing forward, we are called to reach those that are wounded. We are called to reach out to the helpless, the hopeless…
Who does that include… I would conclude those without Christ are without hope… Those are who we need to reach during this time of war.
You are still young Ryan! When i was your age……. 🙂 But you nailed it in your comments. Our war is ongoing.
He is risen indeed! Easter blessings to you and Jo and the flock.
Thanks Linda. Hope you all do as well.
Absolutely true Bill. What a life that will be, one of my favorite Bible quotes is 1 Corinthians 2:9, Paul quoted from Isaiah 64:4, we can not imagined what God has prepared for those who love Him. The best day for those of us who trust in Jesus as Our Savior, will be the day God calls us home. Then and only then will our best life happen.
I simply cannot imagine what a day that will be Gail. Far beyond my ability to figure out. I just know I want to experience it.