I don’t know the exact time of the day I was born, but the date was January 24th 1950. When I wrote this it was just past midnight to make it official. I was 70 years old. That amazes me. Wow! I’ve always thought of my family as one that wasn’t particularly long-lived. Yet here I am.
My dad’s mother died long before her time of cancer, undetected until too late. My mother’s mother died when she was a toddler and her dad from heart attack when she was a teen. My mother died of a massive stroke my last year of college, while I still needed my wheelchair. It was pretty devastating. She was in her 60s. My younger brother Paul died unexpectedly last January of a heart attack. He, too, was in his early 60s. Yet, my dad died in his later 70s. My older sister is in the best shape of the three siblings and still going strong.
A few years ago, when we passed Mom’s birthday at the age she died, my sister Karin told me we weren’t our parents and our lives didn’t have to follow their pattern. That encouraged me. God’s Word also encouraged me as I recalled the verse from Jeremiah 29:11 (GW version), “ I know the plans that I have for you, declares the Lord. They are plans for peace and not disaster, plans to give you a future filled with hope.”
God has a plan and purpose for our lives. He has a purpose for the length of time I spend here on earth. I do know I want to use whatever time I have to stand up for what is right and good, to encourage, to lift up and bring hope. Maybe, after all, 70 is only a number and I am determined to be thankful for each moment, each day, each year of life God allows. I want to make the most of this moment right now
In the mornings I often quote Psalm 118:24 (NKJV) “This is the day the Lord has made; We will rejoice and be glad in it.” I personalize it. This is the day, the moment, the Lord has made; I will rejoice and be glad in it.
I am in my 70th year of life. Who knew with my health problems and close calls, I would be here today. I am grateful. Who knows what I’ll accomplish this year. After all, “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.” –Philippians 4:13 (KJV)
2020 here I come!
By Carolyn R Scheidies
Published 2020 February 10