I’m writing this after fact. In fact, I’ve been writing this since last Friday, October 9th. Friday was my birthday. 74th to be exact. Next year, Lord willing, I will be 75. You know, 74 + 1 =75. Three quarters of a century! Why does that sound so much older than simply saying, “75?” 🙂 🙂
Like most people, I’ve looked over my life a time or 2 or 3 in the past. I see times of sorrow; times of regret; times of distrust; times of insecurity; times of ambivalence; times of fear; times of anger; time of discouragement; and yes, times of sheer happiness and joy. A few years ago it was all the rage to write a letter addressed to your younger self. I thought about doing that, but then figured, “What’s the use? My younger self is long gone.” I can’t change the past; I have no idea about the future; and I live in the day-to-day present.Â
But there is one thing I know after living 74 years: God has been, is now, and always will be faithful. Of that truth I am firmly convinced. That is not saying I will always understand Him or His ways of doing things, or His timing in doing them, but I will stake my life on it. It hasn’t always been pleasant. It certainly hasn’t always been smooth. But one truth I know is that good, bad, or indifferent, God has always had my back.When I’ve let Him and not fought Him, He’s had my front as well. He has always been faithful. Psalm 115:1 says,Â
Not to us, O Lord, not to us, but to Your name goes all the glory for Your unfailing love and faithfulness.
“Thank you, Father, for the best birthday present ever…the proof and reassurance of Your unfailing love and faithfulness for 74 years. And if you grant it, more to come.”
Happy Belated Birthday, Bill! Just yesterday our pastor asked us to take a few moments and reflect on God’s faithful presence in our lives. He always sees us through. Reflecting on the past can give us courage for the future, knowing God will never fail us.
Thank you Pam! I am a living and breathing example of God’s faithfulness through it all.
Happy birthday, Bill! (And 75 isn’t so bad, except psychologically. I hit it last month.)
Thanks Glynn. I guess you are only as old as you think? Or is that feel? 🙂 Congrats on hitting the 3/4 century mark.
Happy belated birthday, Bill. I enjoyed both Westin’s communion devotion, and the sermon yesterday. One thing in life is absolutely clear, our understanding of everything is not always on point, we can trust that God, is always watching over us, and faithful. We have no idea of all of the things that God is doing behind the scenes of our lives, but I know that God is there without a doubt. Like you Bill, I will stake my trust and faith in God’s unfailing love.
Thanks Gail. I, too, thought Westin did a great job with his meditation. I also agree with you on God doing things behind the scenes that we have clue about.
Happy Belated Bill, I should probably know your birthday by now, but I do well to remember my own 😉 75 years young, you are quite spry for 75!
Thanks Ryan…I think. You are really trying to put me in my grave earlier. 74! 🙂
Oh, totally jumped ahead… Better get back in that DeLorean and Hit 88 mph!
Trust me. If I had one and could fit in it (the one I tried wouldn’t work) I would!