OK. I’m not writing this blog today because it’s my birthday (which it is). And I’m not writing it because I turned 50 years old today (which I did! Say what?!). No, I’m writing this blog today for two totally different reasons.
The first reason is because I think I’m finally coming to grips and realising that I’m actually getting older.
Sure, subconsciously I’ve always known that I was ageing. But as I would look around at other people in their 40’s I always felt like I was doing pretty good compared to the average 40something guy that I saw. Not that I ever felt like I was better- no. I just felt like I was more hip and cool than the other guys my age (even though using the terms 'hip and cool' shows how outdated I actually am! Do people even use those words anymore? lol!). It's not like I intentionally try to stay up with the latest fashion trends or anything like that either. I’ve never dressed like the typical 40+ year old white guy. I Just refuse to wear button down collared shirts, polo's and khakis. That’s just not me. (No offence if that’s what you wear either, for real.)
'Physically’ I've been able to tell I've been getting older since my 30’s. I can remember exactly when it happened too. I was playing volleyball in NC. I jumped up to spike the ball on the guy on the other side of the net from me and we both hit the ball (with equal force) at the same time and I jammed my right ring finger. It literally hurt for almost a year. An injury that would typically heal within a couple weeks was now taking forever. My body just wasn't the same anymore. So physically I’ve known what’s up for a while.
And I’ve noticed that, as I’ve gotten older, the things that get me excited have changed a bit too. Here’s an example:
Just last week MJ came home from visiting our oldest son (Michael) and our daughter-in-law (Sarah) back in the States. When she got back here to Brazil she brought me some goodies and the thing I was the most excited about were my new bifocals! That’s right I was actually excited about getting new bifocals! Now that’s a sure sign of getting old, right? And how pathetic is that, anyway?
But the main reason that I wanted to write this blog was this…
The main reason I’m writing this is that I’m extremely grateful to The Lord today.
Now, please hear me out. I’m not trying to sound hyper-spiritual or trying to flaunt some type of false spirituality that you’ll sometimes see online. You know- it’s usually posted by the person who wants you to see that they “love God” but in the back of your mind you kinda wonder what the real intention behind the post was. You know what I’m talking about, right? It’s that post on Facebook/Instagram where someone posts a picture of their cup of coffee strategically placed next to their Bible as the sun is just beginning to rise in the background with the caption, “awesome time with The Lord this morning” or something to that effect. haha! Well, this isn’t that.
For some reason I’ve become very contemplative lately. Maybe it’s because I’m closer to death than I use to be or something- I don’t know? lol! But, for whatever reason, I’ve been reflecting back over my life and thinking about where I came from and it’s pretty sobering.
To think about the way I use to live and how many times I was so close to death without Jesus… to think about all the horrible decisions I made and the ridiculously stupid things that I was involved in before I surrendered my life to Him- it’s a true miracle of God that I didn’t die without Him- lost forever. Seriously.
And to think about how sinful I was and how opposed to God I was… and to think that in spite of that He still pursued me, rescued me, redeemed me, made me His own- even though I wasn't interested in Him at all. It makes no sense. What do I have to offer a God who doesn't need me for anything? He doesn't need me to fulfil something in Him. I don’t in some way 'complete Him,’ No! But He, in His great mercy, spared me. He saved me.
This may all sound elementary because it’s something that we hear all the time. But when we really think about how great a salvation we actually have- it’s crazy!
So, today, as I look back over the last 50 years of life on this planet I’m truly grateful for what He’s done for me. I’m truly grateful for what He’s done in me. I’m truly thankful to The Lord today.
Oh, the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God!
How unsearchable are his judgments and how inscrutable his ways!
“For who has known the mind of the Lord, or who has been his counsellor?
“Or who has given a gift to him that he might be repaid?”
For from him and through him and to him are all things.
To him be glory forever. Amen.
Romans 11:33-36
Passionately Pursuing Jesus,
Jim
Exactly. Well said and AMEN!!
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