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| Image by Tumisu from Pixabay |
I hit a milestone birthday yesterday and my thoughts have spiraled around my age. It’s a fact I have more life behind me than before me. I’m not melancholy or depressed about my age, only introspective. Blessed with good health, I still enjoy doing about anything I want, exercising (including weights, yoga, and aerobics), household chores (even though I may not want to do them) and still have enough energy to continue my painting and writing.
Still, if this were my
last day here on earth, what would I do with my time? Would I spend the day
praying or visiting family? Scripture tells me to be a good servant. “Blessed
is that servant, whom when his lord shall come he shall find so doing.” Matthew
24:46.
But what exactly is
being a good servant? For one, following the two greatest commandments. “Thou
shalt love the Lord thy God with thy whole heart, and with thy whole soul, and
with thy whole mind… And the second is like to this: Thou shalt love thy
neighbor as thyself.” Matthew 22: 37-39.
I try to apply those commandments
by taking care of my husband, keeping in touch with family and friends,
attending church, using my talents to enrich other’s lives, and following when
He nudges me into certain actions. It also means taking time to read scripture,
to pray, and to relax. If I don’t take care of myself, I won’t be able to care
for anyone else. I try not to squander my time on things that have little
value.
In other words, I
should continue with tasks like any normal day, after all, any day could be my last.
What about you? Would
you do things differently than you normally do if you knew it was your last day
on earth?
The first thing that came to mind is what I would NOT do. I wouldn't spend my time endlessling scrolling through Twitter or watching YouTube funny-cat videos. Which means, of course, I shouldn't be doing those things anyway!
ReplyDeleteIsn't that the truth? Yet, I find that can be relaxing and informative, as long as the time was limited. After all, we can all use a laugh, which is good for the soul, and being informed of what is going on the world isn't bad. Then, we know where to focus our prayers. :)
DeleteWise words, Marie!
Delete:)
DeleteAt 82 I am very aware that any day could be my last, and if I knew it for sure I would want to spend it with my husband, my son and my 3 cats, My two daughters, grandchildren and great grandchildren are too far away, and as I haven't seen any of them since 2014 I wouldn't want them rushing to see me now. Their busy lives will carry on as normal, I would worry more about my husband, he is 86, and my son who is blind and disabled. I would also worry about my three cats, Rappy who is 18 years old, and the siblings Tiggy and Shadow, they are three and a half years old and very attached to me, Tiggy in particular is also very protective toward me and the thought of leaving them all hurts.
ReplyDeleteI can understand your feelings about your cats. It's hard to think of leaving young animals behind. These senior years sure come on fast, don't they? I just turned 70 and my husband is 78. We aren't too far behind you and your husband. I pray you and your husband are blessed with many, many more years here on earth until you've had enough. God bless and keep you.
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