Most of my childhood was spent on dairy farms. There wasn't a lot of time to play with my friends although my brothers and sisters enjoyed play time. We moved from the farm the year I entered high school (1963) and moved into town. Suddenly, there was a lot more free time. One of the things I remembered doing during the summer was meeting with friends at an empty lot near our home and playing baseball on a makeshift field. That field now houses a retirement home, but in those days it was wide open. Our games ended at dusk because there were no lights, and that was the time we were all expected to be home for supper anyway. I thought about those days when I recently read where someone reminded us that we will not realize when we have played our last game with our friends. As I read that, I realized that I do not remember a single person who played in those games nor do I remember the last time we played ball on that field.
It's just one more reminder that life is short. I've circled the sun 76 times now, and that is still a short time compared to eternity. When I was in my 20s I would have considered someone my age now as ancient. Now I prefer the word seasoned! I've lived a full life and been able to do far more than a kid growing up on dairy farms in Indiana ever dreamed of doing, but I also realize I could have done so much more. I regret some of the things I've done, but I regret even more the things I didn't do when I had the opportunity. Nothing can be done about either one, but we can also start where we are and seek new opportunities to do what needs to be done.
So many people reach a certain age and think that their lives are over. I could encourage you to Google what famous people did in their advanced years. It's an eye-opener! As long as we have breath in our bodies we have the opportunity to made a difference in the world and in the lives of people around us. Age is just a number; it's not a determinative factor of what you can do.
Jesus said He came to give us life and life more abundantly. That means that He came to offer us eternal life when this life ends, and a full life until that happens. He wants to bless us that we might be a blessing to others. See, the only way to live a fulfilling life is to live it to be a blessing to other people.
I know I have more days behind me than I have ahead of me, but I want to live those days in such a way that I can bless as many people as possible. I want to see people come to faith in Jesus Christ. I want to see people break out of bondage to sin, to debt, to addictions, to broken relationships, to shame and guilt. Those that the Son sets free is free indeed, and I want people to find freedom in Jesus Christ.
Don't let a number determine what you can do. Ask God what He would have you do, and then do it. You will find out quickly how rewarding life can be.
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