I got to thinking early this morning about where I’ll be in a few years, the Lord knows. No one knows for sure how many days, weeks, months or years they have left on this earth. Young or old - none of us know for sure if we'll celebrate another birthday. Since we don’t know, then I think a narrowing of our perspective on life and focusing on what’s really important seems to be what I find myself pondering more these days.
At my age I could simply accept the status quo and be happy and contented that I’ve accomplished most of what I set out to do in my life or I could ask God to give me a new task - one that would allow me to draw on life’s experiences…ups and downs, tragedies and triumphs, joys and sorrows to help and encourage my friends and family to enjoy all that God has given us this side of heaven.
I don’t know about you, but the older I get, the simple things in life bring me the most joy …A grandchild’s smile, the laughter of family and friends, the exquisite colors of a sunset over the mountains, a gentle hand to caress mine in a loving handshake, the warmth of a hug and touch of someone who loves me, or the gentle breezes that whisper their enchanting songs in the treetops…All these, and more than I could list in a lifetime, have taught me that sharing the beauty of God’s handiwork in prose, music or in conversation with those He's placed in our path is what you and I should be doing with the life God has given to us!
Why?...Because in the final analysis…when it’s all said and done…when the smoke clears and the sun shines through…when the storms of life give way to the sunshine of a soul attuned to God…or when the sunset falls on our life and the angels beckon like a long, lost friend…What else really matters?
And now I ask that You hear my/OUR humble prayer O God…Thank you for the life you’ve given us! Thank you that the sails are up and full to carry us to new and exciting adventures you’ve charted for us! Thank You for another day to celebrate and enjoy Your creation and the life, family and friends you’ve blessed us with - But most of all Lord, we want to thank You for the joy and opportunity to experience, and the privilege to share what we know of Your infinite mercy and love for us all!...Amen