November 17, 2021 – Click here to listen
I did not agree with much said by Beatles superstar musician Jon Lennon, but I agree with one of his quotes: Life is what happens while you are busy making other plans. Another terrific musician said something along similar lines. Check out Reggae superstar Bob Marley: Open your eyes – look within. Are you satisfied with the life you’re living? I find it sad that both were cut down at such a young age, Lennon by an assassin and Marley by Melanoma. I feel sure neither thought that life would end so prematurely. With that said even in the short time they lived they did accomplish a tremendous amount.
I called a friend and asked if he wanted to go to lunch over the weekend. He declined stating he had to pick out some furniture for a second home that he was buying that is located on a beautiful golf course and a lake. He then told me the home had a big garage for storing an RV and he was buying an RV as well.
Wow! I remarked that he was shelling out some big bucks. Then he related that his wife had literally not been out of the house in two years, had no friends, and understandably was very depressed. My buddy on the other hand is highly gregarious and involved with his church, community, friends, and various organizations he supports. He told me that he had been reading about my wife and I traveling, fishing, and having a good time and he decided to make a major change and follow suite.
My take on life is to get the absolute most out of each and every day. I was in a bad mood the other day after having some unpleasant encounters. My wife asked me what was wrong, and I replied, “Frankly I’m in a bad mood”. She was surprised and told me that it was so rare for me to be in a bad mood that she was worried. I laughed and told her it was temporary and indeed I got over it about as fast as it came upon me.
Most of my friends think I am much younger than I am. My 75th birthday is coming on the 27th of this month. I value those days God has given me and try to make the most of each and every one of them. In fact, I develop a plan to get the most out of each day every morning. It has become an important part of my daily devotional time.
Just because I’m older doesn’t mean that I’m done, and we need to turn off the grill. For example, I am currently founding a fishing club on Duck Key. Yes, I love fishing, and this will assemble people with similar interests and I’m sure to meet some new friends, but aside from that, my hope is that it will provide ministry opportunities.
I used to conduct what is called workplace ministry where one can reach people for the Lord at work. Not by thumping a Bible and telling them everything they do is a sin, and they should be ashamed, but by setting a Christian example that they can observe. Well, I’m no longer in the workplace, but that doesn’t mean my ministry must stop. Some folks down here use every opportunity to conduct a drunkfest. There is no need to get drunk or stoned or exhibit immoral behavior to have some fun fishing or at a banquet. I’ll most likely be leading this group for a while and will be in a position to set an example that puts the Lord first.
The best witness is to lead by example. Live life to the fullest as a happy Christian and remember – This ain’t no dress rehearsal . . .
Matt. 6:33
But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. “Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.