When a ship has weathered one too many storms, it’s time for its captain to say good-bye to the old and hello to the new. He will still think fondly of his old ship, but he knows he must look to the future.
For I am already being poured out like a drink offering, and the time for my departure is near. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing (2 Timothy 4:6–8 NIV).
I’m not going to live forever, at least not in my earthly body. And even though the thought of spending eternity with Christ brings me joy, I can’t help but feel bothered by the thought of leaving my loved ones behind. The older I get, the more I ponder what my children would do without me. I keep going back to thoughts of my own mom, who died at a young age, and how devastated I was.
There are many things I can do to supposedly keep myself alive longer; eating right, not smoking or drinking, etc. But the fact remains that when God calls me home, I’m gone. Just like that.
As my children grow older, it gets easier, but now I have grandchildren and one day maybe great-grandchildren. It will never end! But there’s a way I can make it easier on myself.
By staying close to God and imparting His wisdom to my loved ones, I can assure myself that they will be fine once I am gone. I also keep journals for each of my children and grandchildren. That way they will know how much I think about them and how much I pray for them. I am creating a legacy they will remember and respect. And prayerfully, they will follow in my steps.
For the perishable must clothe itself with the imperishable, and the mortal with immortality (1 Corinthians 15:53 NIV).
Growing older can be a pleasant and peaceful experience. All we need to do is remember that one day we will be reunited with our loved ones again. So my advice?
Keep in the Word—keep introducing the Word to loved ones—keep moving toward the goal.
You’ll soon find your loved ones cheering you on and running the race themselves.
Some may reach the goal sooner than others. And that’s okay.
Debbie Mitchell