Nearing the end, or is it the beginning?

I don't often think about growing old or the end of life, but sometimes these thoughts spring randomly into my head. I pray that I am not being naive in saying these things for my desire is not to be ignorant or misled, but to share some of my raw thoughts and ponderings that are, hopefully, pushing me towards truth.

That being said, when I grow old (and, indeed, every day I am growing older), I do not want to have the tendency of looking back at my life and thinking of all the things I could have or should have done. I hope that I don't even look back at all, except to see how God has molded and shaped my life for Him and to share what I have learned through the process.

I desire to have the perspective that my life, my true life through Christ, is not tied to this world or to this body. I have been born into the renewed, everlasting life of Christ, and although I may die in this world, my true life will always be held securely and vibrantly alive in Him.

"If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above
where Christ is seated at the right hand of God.
Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth.
For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God.
When Christ who is your life appears, then you also will appear with Him in glory."
-Colossians 3:1-4

So, as I grow older, I am not getting closer to the end of my life, only to the end of THIS life. I hope that I can retain that perspective as I go past mile markers in this world. That passing those markers is nothing to regret, going into my full adulthood is not leaving anything behind, turning 50, 60, 70, 80 is not losing more of life. I am only gaining. With each step, with every marker, I gain. Every step of the way I am only getting that much closer to being freed from sin, oppression, and pain, and from basking in the presence of my Savior for all eternity. At every milestone, I am breaking free from the bondage and becoming ever closer to Him.

Growing old is something to be celebrated. I long for it. I long to be in the glorious presence of my God.

Yet, I know there is work to be done here. He is giving me the opportunity to work for Him on this earth and to share His love with all whom I encounter. What a joy it is to serve Him!

Now, I know that I am not Paul. But the desire I know full well.

"For to me to live is Christ and to die is gain. If I am to live in the flesh, that means fruitful labor for me. Yet which I shall choose I cannot tell. I am hard pressed between the two. My desire is to depart and be with Christ, for that is far better. But to remain in the flesh is more necessary on your account. Convinced of this, I know that I will remain and continue with you all, for your progress and joy in the faith, so that in me you may have ample cause to glory in Christ Jesus, because of my coming to you again." -Philippians 1:21-26


Grace and Peace.