When We Stop Working

Anyone who loves their life will lose it, while anyone who hates their life in this world will keep it for eternal life. John 12:25

I’m a fan of the old Babylon 5 science fiction TV series from back in the 1990s. Stop reading if you have not watched it and plan on doing so as a major spoiler is ahead.

John Sheridan is the major protagonist of the series starting with season 2. At one point in the series he is dying and an alien gives him some of its life force to save him, but tells him he will only live twenty more years and he will simply stop working and die. He will run down like a toy operating on a battery. So Mr. Sheridan knows when he will die, and gets to enjoy twenty more years, but he must plan for that time twenty years ahead for when his “battery runs out”. He visits old friends during his last days, takes care of any loose ends, and gets to say goodbye to his loved ones, then stops working. It is a satisfying ending to the series and to the life of its hero. But sadly, such a picture perfect ending is not a reality for most of us.

I have a growing suspicion that aging and the processes and effects involved are meant to help us loosen our hold upon this life. Think about it. Our eyes grow dim, our hearing fades, new afflictions arise, old afflictions keep coming back, even food and drink is not what it once was.

I’m not saying these things to be gloomy about getting old, but how hard would it be to leave life in our latter years if everything just got better and better?

Normal aging itself is a challenge, but add in things like diabetes, high blood pressure, autoimmune diseases and other common afflictions like arthritis and life simply is more challenging as we get older.

Yesterday I visited my doctor. I have a lung infection causing me pain and grief, and also shingles causing me pain. That’s on top of a litany of other “normal” health issues I face. I can honestly say the horizon of heaven is more appealing at such times as compared to trouble free, or at least mostly trouble free, days when the world looks much brighter around me.

We Christians are strangers in a strange land. We all know deep down we are destined for better things than this world and that it is not our true home. When we get forgetful, something often comes along to remind us of the truth.

Those of us who struggle with finding and holding onto the good things in life will have an easier time letting go when our time is up. Our troubles, afflictions, pain and suffering have loosened our grip on life as we look forward to an eternity free of pain and suffering and filled only with joy as we live in the very Presence of God.

Yet I suspect those who have had a much easier time in life, even in old age, will struggle to let go of this world when their time is through. And I understand that. On those days when the sunshine breaks through the clouds of my adversity, life is much sweeter and it is easier to take one's eyes off of heaven and the glory that awaits us there.

It is important to remind ourselves that this world is nothing more than a stopping place on our way to our eternal home. When life is bad–we remember and see the truth more clearly. When life is easy–we can lose focus and get our eyes off of Jesus.

While one foot is grounded upon the earth do not lose sight of the long road and our eventual home. Do not get too comfortable here or you may find as I often do that life and its vicissitudes will grab you and redirect your focus.

Prayer: Dear Lord, help us not to be so heavenly minded that we are no earthly good, and help us not to be so earthly minded that we struggle to let go of this world when our time comes to go home. Amen.

Who Taught You To Tie Your Shoes?

“Not one of them grows tired or stumbles, not one slumbers or sleeps; not a belt is loosened at the waist, not a sandal strap is broken” Isaiah 5:27

    My aunt taught me to tie my shoes when I was a little boy. Over the years I have tied my shoes thousands of times and I have not forgotten my aunt’s kindness all those years ago.

    I doubt my aunt even remembers teaching me to tie my shoes, but thanks to her I have been able to put on my shoes everyday with tightened laces. I have traveled many roads and trodden many paths because of her help and act of kindness to a boy struggling with his shoe laces.

    Little things can mean much and can add up over time. Little acts of kindness or generosity can mean far more than we realize and do much good that we do not account for.

    I once talked to a lady who went on a missionary trip to India. She told me of the poverty, difficult conditions, and about showing love to the little children there. My guess is that those kids will never forget the kind lady from America who cared for them and showed them loving kindness.

    We may never be missionaries to India or to any other country. Yet I believe we can teach someone to “tie their shoes”. And through small acts of kindness we can be a blessing to others far more than we realize.

    Too often we are focused on our limitations brought about by our inability or lack of skills. Perhaps we should consider the small ways we might bless others or show some little act of kindness. It could have big benefits for someone else.

    Let’s not allow our limitations to define us, but rather find ways to bless people. Even if only through prayer, a kind word, or a generous act, we can be fruitful despite our limitations.

    Prayer: Dear Lord, thank You for the many acts of kindness that have come our way, and for giving us opportunities to show kindness to others. Amen.