Reflecting for the Future
Joy Revie
January is a time for reflection and resolution, as we have read over the last few Mondays.
However, my reflective musings started in October 2023 after reading a book about the life of Joseph, by Charles Swindoll.
Joseph was surely a man who faced many challenges, but God was faithful to him. Halfway through the book, the author says he came across a survey taken recently of people 95 years and over. They were all asked one open ended question that they could answer any way they wished:
"If you could live your life over again, what would you do differently?"
Numerous responses were given. Among all the answers, three were most prominent:
“I would take more time to reflect.”
“I would take more risks.”
“I would do more things that would live on after I'm gone.”
The author requested to add one of his own,
“I would have been more affirming.”
This really challenged me. Life is not a dress rehearsal, as the saying goes… it’s what we do each day that will define us and we don’t get to repeat them.
As I approach retirement, I found myself really spreading out my future before the Lord and opening it up to Him. Laying down a career of 40 years, is not easy, but as I reflect on how He has faithfully guided me through it, I am excited for another adventure!
Yes, Ian and I have a few ideas of what we would like to do, but really, at the end of the day… if our Heavenly Father is not at the centre of it, then what's the point? Taking a risk and stepping out is what our faith is about, and is it really a risk when we have all God’s promises to encourage us?
The words of Psalm 23 came to me and when I read them in The Passion Translation, it was like reading them for the first time…
"The Lord is my best friend and my shepherd. I always have more than enough. He offers a resting place for me in his luxurious love. His tracks take me to an oasis of peace, the quiet brook of bliss. That’s where he restores and revives my life…
You remain close to me and lead me through it all the way. Your authority is my strength and my peace, the comfort of your love takes away my fear. I will never be lonely, for you are near…
You anoint me with the fragrance of your Holy Spirit, you give me all I can drink of you until my heart overflows. So why would I fear the future?
For your goodness and love pursue me all the days of my life. Then afterward, when my life is through, I'll return to your glorious presence to be forever with you!"
May we all be encouraged to step out and live our lives to their fullest!
