I can’t quite remember what my son and I were talking about that morning at the breakfast table.
It had something to do with age. (That’s funny in itself, since it seems I can’t remember the details!)
It dawned on me over my oatmeal how old I was. Most days I still feel 29, so I can easily forget the number that represents my age.
The words of my revelation spilled out of my mouth…
“Zach, in 25 years I’m going to be 70.”
Oh. My. Land. (Feel free to do the math.)
I believe my heart skipped a few beats, just as it’s doing now as I write this. And you should have seen his face. It was clear he was just as shocked as I was.
70.
Seriously. How can this be? You mean I’m really not 29??
And then another reality hit me… My father left this earth at age 71, and my mother at 74.
I’m thankful this life isn’t all there is. I know my time on this earth is fleeting, and my time in eternity is forever. I’m glad I know where I’m going after my life here is done, thanks to Jesus. So, I have nothing to fear thinking of the future. But, still.
Only God knows the length of our days. It’s easy to put off thinking about it. But why do we think we will have tomorrow? We aren’t guaranteed anything.
This caused me reflect on life, and ask some tough questions.
- What am I doing? How am I living this life I’ve been given?
- Is what I’m doing now making an impact? An eternal impact? An impact for others and for generations to come?
- What difference am I making? Any at all?
- Am I just going through the motions? Or am I living life to the full?
- Am I embracing each day, each opportunity, each moment? Or am I wishing my life away, or worse yet, procrastinating? Thinking I’ll have tomorrow to do it?
- Am I doing what I’ve been called to do?
- Is there a dream in my heart I’ve been ignoring? Maybe it’s time to pull it out, dust it off, and pursue it.
- Do I know for sure where I’m going after this life is over?
Friend, no matter your age, it’s a timely reminder to examine your life and how you’re living it.
I never want to get to the point where I look back and wish I would have done more, or wish I would have lived life differently. I don’t want to look back and have regrets. The time to make some adjustments is today.
I’ll be sharing more of my revelations, thoughts, and answers to these questions in future posts. I’d love to read your thoughts below, too.
We’ve got one go-around in this life. I pray we are daily making it amazing!
Julie
By the way, I’m glad you’re here. You made my day by stopping by!
I’m linking this post to some friends’ places: Holley Gerth for Coffee For Your Heart, Meredith Bernard for Woman2Woman, and Simply Beth for Three Word Wednesday. You’ll find some great stuff at each place!
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You make me laugh! I’m half way to 96 ;). (Which I love to tell my students when they ask how old I am–I figure, if they’re impertinent to ask, the least I can do is gift them with a math problem!). You also make me think–and you’re right. A little sober reflection is always a good thing–especially in this journey of life. It’s easy to head down the wrong road and not notice if we aren’t taking time to listen to one who guides us.
Hey, friend! I love that… half way to 96! What grade do you teach anyway? I’ve been wondering that. I don’t know why, but this reality has smacked me in the face this week! Hope you had a great week. Sorry I missed you at #fmfparty. Have a wonderful Friday, and thank you so much for visiting and sharing!
I was laughing out loud at this because I’m 29 🙂 I love your reflection questions. And I agree. I’m grateful there’s more after this life on earth. Visiting you from Coffee For Your Heart.
Enjoy being 29, Angela! Time goes by too quickly, and you’ll end up being 45 before you know it! Thanks so much for stopping in and sharing. You’ve blessed me in doing so! Have a great Friday.
Ahh … yes. These “age marker birthdays” definitely cause us to think. I had one of those this year. My dad said it eloquently, “You begin to realize that the years you have left are, percentage wise, fewer (maybe many fewer) than those have already lived.” I love your reflection questions–they ones I need to spend time on.
Yes, Diane. I agree. It’s good to pause and reflect, and your dad knew what he was talking about! I appreciate you stopping in and sharing here. Blessings to you this day!
I think about that too-where are the years going? Why are they in such a hurry?
It is always a good time to evaluate where you and where you should be. My aunt is 71 (but mid 30’s in my mind) and had a wake up call last month. Not everyone gets that chance, so we have to live right, right now.
Amen, Sarah! Live right, right now. So often I think to tomorrow, but I need to focus on today a little more often. Yes, were are we going?? Pondering this a lot lately. Glad you visited and shared your thoughts today. It’s always a pleasure to see your beautiful face here. Hugs to you!
If we really look ahead, it’s kind of alarming is it? we feel like we have all the time in the world in one point and then all of a sudden, we’re running out of time. Heavens! Where did all the good times gone? But you’re right. When we look ahead, we anticipate, we are giving ourselves the deadline we need to start acting now before it’s too late. Got me reflecting on my life too. Especially that I’m turning 32 next month. 😛
P.S. Love that picture.
Welcome, Lux! I agree with you, and I think it’s good to reflect on our lives to move us forward. What day is your birthday? Mine is next month too, on the 26th. We should celebrate turning another year older together! It’s good to meet you here, and I thank you for stopping by. Have a great week!