Teacher: And so we come to the end of this musing over life. My advice to you is to remember your Creator, God, while you are young: before life gets hard and the injustice of old age comes upon you—before the years arrive when pleasure feels far out of reach— before the sun and light and the moon and stars fade to darkness and before cloud-covered skies return after the rain. Remember Him before the arms and legs of the keeper of the house begin to tremble—before the strong grow uneasy and bent over with age—before toothless gums aren’t able to chew food and eyes grow dim. Remember Him before the doors are shut in the streets and hearing fails and everyday sounds fade away—before the slightest sound of a bird’s chirp awakens the sleeping but the song itself has fallen silent. People will be afraid of falling from heights and terrifying obstacles in the streets. Realize that hair turns white like the blossoms on the almond tree, one becomes slow and large like a gluttonous grasshopper, and even caper berries no longer stimulate desire. In the end, all must go to our eternal home while there are mourners in the streets. So before the silver cord is snapped and the golden bowl is shattered: before the earthen jar is smashed at the spring and the wheel at the well is broken—before the dust returns to the earth that gave it and the spirit-breath returns to God who breathed it, let us remember our Creator. Life is fleeting; it just slips through your fingers. All vanishes like mist. Ecclesiastes 12:1-8 (Voice)
Don’t take your life too seriously; take time to enjoy yourself. Life goes by fast. These are words expressed to me in my mid-twenties by a mentor friend. Looking back I am thankful for his wise counsel. For life does go by fast.
The challenge I now face is the realization this body is slowly wearing out. Many of my friends and acquaintances are rusting out. I have been fortunate to have inherited good genes. Plus had a mother who reminded us each day the importance of living a healthy lifestyle. Yet, the aging process isn’t for wimps.
The writer of Ecclesiastes summarizes the end of life as a process of wearing out. Physically. Mentally. Emotionally. But he leaves us with one final thought before then. Remember our Creator.
He is not the first nor last Scripture writer to make that statement. You can look at the majority of all the other book authors and they leave you with the same theme. Remember your Creator.
Recall the times HE intervened for you. The times HE fulfilled HIS promises for you. The times HE carried you through the broken periods of your life. The times HE blessed you with your heart’s delight. The times HE showed HIS love for you. Yes, even the times HE disciplined you for your sake.
Remember.
As you remember, share those stories with your family members. Let your neighbors hear the same. When visiting friends and associates, let them know. Your life is a legacy of God’s workmanship. Let others know how HE intervened in your life. How HE made the difference in your life. How HE is the reason for your existence. How you found meaning and purpose in life through HIM.
Yes, as you age gracefully, remember your Creator. And remind others the same.
Rooting For You in Christ!
Dr. Mike
Faith-Integrator, Encourager, Scribbler
“We continually ask God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all the wisdom and understanding that the Spirit gives,” (Colossians 1:9)
Books By Dr. Mike:
- Power Up With Jesus – Aspirations Rooted in Jesus Christ!
- The Adventurous Journey of Transformation in Christ
- Overflowing Prayers Rooted in Jesus Christ v1 & v2
- Dancing With God: A Life-Giving Worldview
- Great Business Emulates a Good God
- Stay Free…Avoid Worldly Traps
- Simply The Messenger
- Unequally Married
Encourage a Friend…Share Today’s Message!
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