Then and Now

Listen to me, O house of Jacob, all the remnant of the house of Israel, who have been borne by me from before your birth, carried from the womb; even to your old age I am he, and to gray hairs I will carry you. I have made, and I will bear; I will carry and will save. (Isaiah 46:3-4 ESV).

 

Well, today I am 71 years old! I don’t know why that sounds so much older than 70, but it does. Perhaps it is because of some of the little things that are going on physically in my life at the moment. I can certainly tell you that I have reached the point where I can be considered “out of warranty”. I put together a couple of pictures of the “then and now” in my life. They come from my senior year in high school and about a year ago as I officiated a wedding for a wonderful young couple I have known since they were children. For those of you who may have kindly remarked that I haven’t changed at all through the years, thank you, but we know that’s simply not true (insert laugh track here)!

 

I’ve gained weight, gone gray, and gathered a plethora of physical ailments through the years. Perhaps that’s why I am so encouraged by our reading today. The Prophet Isaiah says: “…from before your birth, carried from the womb; even to your old age I am he, and to gray hairs I will carry you. I have made, and I will bear; I will carry and will save.” (v. 4).

 

Just yesterday Mary and I were in a car accident. No one was injured, though we were shook up a bit. I won’t detail the event, but it did precipitate an interesting conversation between my sons. It seems that Aaron was a bit concerned with my safety. He talked with Kyle and David and simply asked, “Is it time to talk to Mom and Dad about restricting their driving?” When I told Mary, her response was both emphatic and immediate, “No one is taking my keys away!” I don’t think either of us is as good as we once were, but I also don’t believe it’s to that point either. At the same time I’ve got to be honest and plan a bit better considering all my activities. I am getting a bit older and that means I’m simply not as strong as I once was.

 

I suppose that means I need to learn how to both ask for and accept help doing some of the things I may have not given a thought to before. I also know that I should rejoice in that inevitability instead of regretting the process. You see, God hasn’t left me to simply get weaker and one day die. As He has been with me from before the foundation of the earth, He is now with; and, will remain with me throughout eternity. This is simply my journey to that moment when I will see the end clearly. This is the path to get me to my eternal home! That thought makes my birthday truly happy!