Birthdays

Today is my birthday.  Remember how exciting that was as a child?  They just seemed to take forever to arrive. And what about those milestones as young adults, sweet 16, finally I am 18 and wow, 21, an adult at last.

Funny how time changes things. Remember Lordy, Lordy, look who is 40? And, when we reach 50, we think how time has flown and we have lived a half a century.

Now that I am officially a senior and birthdays seem to arrive much too quickly. The years seem to fly by faster and faster. It’s a time to reflect on the past and an opportunity to decide how to finish this race called life. Proverbs 16:31 says, “Gray hair is a crown of glory, it is gained in a righteous life”. I really like that thought, a crown of glory. In the process of arriving at this age, we have had many experiences and gained wisdom. I think we come to understand that life is short and the vibrancy and beauty of youth is temporary.

When we reach our twilight years, we contemplate what mark we leave behind on the world. We evaluate how our lives have impacted others and, we question if we have lived a live God will be pleased with. I don’t know about you, but when I next meet God, I want to hear the words from Matthew, “Well done good and faithful servant”. And, the words from Luke, “Today you will be with me in paradise.”

I sincerely hope I have set an example and provided a road map for those who come behind me to follow.