I turned 33 on Wednesday. I generally enjoy my birthday and don't mind telling people my age or celebrating. So far, each year has gotten better and better, and I'm looking forward to what life will bring my way in the next year. I'm so grateful for the years that I've had and all the blessings I've received in them, that it feels miserly to begrudge my age.
But this year, I paused a little longer than usual. Depending on which Gospel you read, Jesus' ministry ended sometime in his early 30s - 33 at the latest. And so turning 33 myself, I had to ask, "What would I leave behind if my life were to end this year?" It's foolish and arrogant to compare my life to Jesus' life at this stage - I'm not the son of God, of course. But it does make me reflect on how I have used the time God has given me so far.
If I were to die this year, how would my boys remember me? What would Mike tell them? What would they read or hear or see that I have done? These are sobering questions. I hope they would know that they are the best things, the greatest things for the world that God and I have created together. I hope I would be remembered as being faithful, as loving my neighbor as myself, as having integrity and dignity and for loving God fully.
Wow - heavy stuff. But not a bad way to start reflecting on a new year.
No comments:
Post a Comment