Last week, my vacation started and ended with camping trips but in between I had the privilege of being a part of a birthday party that encouraged my faith and perspective about life. On Wednesday, the church celebrated the birthday of our oldest church member. Did you know that we have a 100-year-old congregant? Unfortunately, poor health makes it impossible for her to attend services but her faith is vibrant and sincere. At her party, she talked about her simple trust in Jesus and how her husband had come to faith at Grace. Her eyes aren’t good enough to read a hymnal but when we sang some hymns she sang along from memory. What struck me about the time of celebration was her focus.
Whenever I’ve heard interviews with centenarians the conversation is always preoccupied with how to extend this life. Our centenarian has her focus squarely on eternal life. She talks about heaven as naturally and frequently as most people talk about their garden. It reminded me that no matter how long you live, this life is not enough. The Bible says, “[God] has put eternity into man’s heart” (Ecclesiastes 3:11). God has created us for eternity so when we try to live as if this life is all that there is, we’ll either live in fear, denial or desperation. Putting our faith in Christ alone for salvation, and living life in light of eternity, is the only path to true peace in this world. I want to have the calm rest in my spirit and joy in my heart on my hundredth birthday that I saw last week. That will only come as I keep my focus on Jesus and eternal life not just a long life.
In awe of Him,
Paul