Looking Back

1921 was not a particularly notable year.  At that point in time the United States had recovered fairly well from one major war and would before long find itself in another. In between there would be a severe depression. On the 30th day of December that year, San Francisco retired its last fire wagon horse. Apart from that? Oh yes, that was the year I entered the scene.
So how has it gone the past 96 years? I asked myself that question, and got to thinking about what I would tell someone, should they ask, about life. Here is what’s been running through my mind.
The most important thing for which I am grateful, was a stable Christian home. My hat is off to a mom and dad who not only loved us, but were always there, no matter what. For instance: Once a friend and I “published” the first and only edition of “The Weekly Blab.” It was a dumb little rag that, among other things, made made fun of the elders, who self righteously demanded a public apology. Dad announced in no uncertain terms, “Lighten up you guys, it was all a joke; no son of mine will take part in such a farce!” What a guy!
Life has been a long learning experience, and I mean that in the sense of slowly catching on to what is genuinely important. One of the more important things I have come to understand is the incredible importance of relationships. We were not made to live by, with and for ourselves. We were born to share this beautiful experience we call life with one another. It occurs to me that God is a triune being specifically for that reason. The Father “needed” someone to share his “life” so from the “beginning” there was a Son and also a Spirit. In any case, the profound experience of oneness that hopefully all of us have, or are, going through is a reflection of the joyful relationship of the triune God.
Another thing of which I have become increasingly aware is that it is by exercising an active concern for the other person that we are rewarded with life’s richest blessings. Jesus put it very simply: ”The one who tries to get as much as possible for himself out of this life will certainly lose it, but those who surrender their life for others will be rewarded with abundant life” (Mark 8:35). When we take the ethical teaching of Jesus with all seriousness we become increasingly aware that it runs absolutely counter to popular thought. “It is by giving, not getting,” says Jesus, “that we find personal delight.” Self-concern robs us of the very thing we desire. Jesus did not save the world by teaching it good manners but by dying for it. The cross was his path to life; ours is the needs of others.”
So, as the gateway to heaven swings open, what should I say? Thank you Lord for all of life, its joyful experiences, its difficulties, your presence all along the way. By faith I said Yes and that was the key to eternal joy. I haven’t earned it; in fact, should I have something carved on stone, it would be the line   from Rock of Ages, “Nothing in my hands I bring, simply to Thy cross I cling.”