The Best Decade

Hi friends! I recently turned 60 years old!!! When I began this blog, 3 years ago, I wasn't sure I would see this great event! :-) In celebration a dear friend gave me a custom-made necklace with six interlocking rings on it representing each decade of my life. As I thought about those specific decades, I tried to come up with a word to represent each one. And as I looked back over those years, though there were many good moments in all of them, there were so many struggles. Sadly, most of the challenges came from within me. But, much to my surprise, and against all logic, the decade that had the most joy, the most peace, my best decade was this last one - from 50 to 60!

Of course a huge part of that would be becoming "Grams" and the addition of my five precious grandchildren! But in general that doesn't really make sense. The last decade brought a diagnosis of stage 4 lung cancer. I probably cried every single day that initial year. I also found myself prostrate flat on the floor crying out to my God for forgiveness, for mercy, for healing. It brought a health challenge for one of my grandchildren. But it also brought a deepened peace in my relationship with Jerry. We became empty-nesters and were compelled to relate without the distraction of others. I've become more at peace with who I am, weaknesses, brokenness and all. I finally let go of the idea of perfection in this life. I've become more confident in who God is.

Your thinking changes when you live in the shadow of death - the blessing of a heavenly perspective. Isn't this is how God wants us to live anyway? With a remembrance of who we are and who He is and the shortness of this life and the "foreverness" of the next life. I am learning to be still and KNOW that He is God and I am not alone. Never. He is truly GOD WITH US, Emmanuel. THIS is my great comfort.

Don't be obsessed with money but live content with what you have, for you ALWAYS have GOD'S PRESENCE. For hasn't He promised you, "I will NEVER leave you alone. NEVER! And I will NOT loosen my grip on your life." So I can say with confidence: "I KNOW the LORD is for me and I will never be afraid of what people may do to me."

Hebrews 13:5,6 The Passion Translation

The old-time song says, "He promised never to leave me, never to leave me alone. No never alone. No never alone. He promised never to leave me, never to leave me alone." May this truth ring loud and clear as we face our next decade, this new dawning day. In the natural realm my next ten years would involve me going to heaven but I'm believing for a miracle. Perhaps I'll be given another decade of healthy life...or more :-). But if I don't reach that milestone, it's okay. This earthly life is a small dot at the end of a rope that goes on forever. I know that my rope is going to be awesome. I pray that you have that confidence as well. If you don't, please talk with someone you trust about your place in eternity. Feel free to write to me! I'd love to hear from you, fellow traveler on the journey.