Jump Start # 3720

Hebrews 9:27 “And inasmuch as it is appointed for men to die once, and after this comes judgment.”

It was a sunny Saturday morning. Tons of things to do, but I was sitting in a funeral home. I knew the person who had passed away. Decades ago, when I was a very young preacher, this man encouraged me and helped me. I’ve run into him now and then but didn’t know of his passing until I caught something about it on Facebook.

As the preacher was detailing things about life, he read from Moses’ Psalms 90 and stated that the life expectancy currently is 77 years. I’m hearing that and I’m 67. That stuck with me. I might have ten years left, maybe fewer, maybe more. Ten years—a decade, it really isn’t that long.

On the way home from the funeral, the “ten years left” thought filled my mind. What if I only have ten years left? What needs to be done? What do I want to do? Many would start making a bucket list of places that they want to visit. Some might think, if I’m ever going to have a sportscar, this is it. Some might become sad. None of those things crossed my mind.

I’ve been so blessed. It’s been a great journey, filled with amazing people and wonderful opportunities. I have traveled to so many great places. I’ve been able to preach all over this country. I have found a special bond with this little blog that I write every day. I have taught nearly every book of the Bible. The Lord has opened doors so I could help people make better choices in their lives. I’ve been able to teach shepherds how to be better leaders in the kingdom. All of us could do more. All of us carry a few regrets. But all in all, what an amazing journey and an amazing blessing this has been.

Here are some things I have learned through the years:

• Friendships are not hurt by miles of separation
• People change. Some for the better. Some for the worse. Allow people to change and see them as they are now.
• Don’t be defined by stuff. It’s only stuff. The type of car you drive, the neighborhood you live in, doesn’t make one better than others.
• There is sunshine in each day if you look for it. Some days it is harder than others to see, but it’s there.
• You make your own reputation. You do that by the way you treat others. Some are like hugging a porcupine—you’ll get hurt if you get to close to them. Others are like a fuzzy blanket on a cold winter night. It’s just the right thing.
• It is a blessing to hear good preaching. There are so many gifted preachers today.
• Life can be filled with regrets or it can be viewed as a blessing. It’s your choice. But the choice you make will color your outlook.
• Keeping an eye on where your money is going, can eliminate a lot of worry and stress. Don’t spend more than you have—that’s just good common sense.
• If you have a good family, be thankful. Know your family story. If you don’t have a good family, do what you can to be the first to create something that is a blessing.
• People will only get under your skin and bother you if you allow them to. You don’t have to solve every problem nor figure every person out. That’s not your job.
• When one focuses upon trying to make each day the best that he can, the weeks, months and yes, even years, fly by. Don’t try to live a lifetime today. Just make today the best that you can.
• The closer you walk with the Lord, the more blessings you see and the more your heart is at peace.
• Some people will not like you no matter what you do. Be yourself and don’t try to win the world. Just make sure that you are walking with the Lord.
• The end here will come. It will come whether we are ready or not. The best thing is to live your with the Lord, doing your best all the time.

There is a divine appointment awaiting all of us. Busy yourself in the kingdom and walking so close to the Lord that you could touch Him, and you’ll be just fine.

Roger