There are not only natural stages in out lives but there are spiritual stages as well. For instance, when I was a young man in my teens I’d talk with my buds about the big game next Friday night and how we’re going to cream them. A few years later, my conversations were about women, some discussions including not quite so respectful speech toward the fairer sex.

Once out of that stage in my life, my discussions were about one woman and family and then about “where does that kid put all that food?” Then there’s the outrageous cost of college tuition. At yet another stage of my life, grand-kids came and the cycle started all over again. Now, I’m 76, and like today, while out for lunch with a bud, most of our conversation was about our physical ailments, operations, and about all the parts that are wearing out on us. 🙂 I thought it rather comical. Our conversations sure change over the years, don’t they?

However, as I step into the next stage of my life, and head toward life’s culmination, I have yet another type of conversation, a spiritual one with God. When I was young Lord, I thought that there was plenty of time. And now there’s not. I’ve asked Him, “Now that I’m on the downside, was I a good child of yours? Did I please you Lord? Please give me enough time Lord to finish what you’ve expected of me?” In my conversation with God, I wondered if I did enough for the kids, my spouse, my family? I think I was an OK dad, but not the wealthiest father or husband in the world. Then I ask myself, “Did I please my spouse? I only pray that I did more times than I didn’t.” For all the aforementioned times, I felt like John when he told the Lord, “I’m not worthy to unlatch your sandals.” But I felt God speaking to my spirit, “No worries, I’ve got you covered. Always have, always will.”

v7 O Lord, my Lord, the strength of my salvation, you have covered my head in the day of battle. [Psalms 140:7 ESV]

Instead of asking the Lord at the end, “Did I please you Lord?” Why not ask Him now, “How can I please you today Lord?” I’ve learned that in the early stages of staying on course, we ask the Lord what He can do for us. Instead, why not ask Him now, “What can we do for you Lord.” The best place to start pleasing the Lord is accepting His redemption through our salvation and faith, and follow Him. It is, without a doubt, the best decision I have ever made in my life. (Thank you mom for telling me about Jesus and for bringing me up under His love. I miss you mom and dad.)

Have I made the best of that decision for Christ? You’ll have to ask my family and friends. If you ask me, I’d have to say, a resounding “No, I have not.” I regret some things I have done in my past and not being able to give them all that they wanted and sometimes needed. I hope and pray that when they look down at me in my box, they might have enough compassion on me and my memory to know that this old man did the best that he could with what tools he had. One thing is for certain, NOBODY loved them as much as I did, and still do.

At least, I was responsible for planting and watering their faith in Christ. Therefore, to the rest of my readers, I exhort you to continue to follow Christ. Develop a hunger for Him ^[1], and make the best of your decision for Him. While working through the process of staying on course, just remember that the Lord has you covered ^[2]. He always has, and He always will ^[3].

Lord, I hope I pleased you yesterday. How can I please you today, Lord. What can I do to please you tomorrow? How can I show your glory, for this is man’s purpose ^[4]. Thanks for loving me and never giving up on me. I am truly not worthy to untie your sandals. In your name I pray, AMEN.

Without faith, it’s impossible to please God. ^[5]
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[1] Mark 12:30, 31
[2] Psalms 140:7 ESV
[3] Deuteronomy 31:6; Hebrews 11:5
[4] Isaiah 43:7; Ecclesiastes 12:13, and others
[5] Hebrews 11:6