92 Years

“92 Years”

By April McQueen

At age 92, my father faces his mortality bravely and its inevitable physical changes with quiet acceptance and deep faith.  A true Christian servant who sought to make a difference with his life, it is unquestionable that he led a good one.  So many of his positive experiences outweigh the hiccups of bad that occasionally fell upon the path of his life journey.  If you asked a hundred different people who know him very well, they would have their own memories and stories etched in their heart and mind and shared with fondness and a smile.  It appears he achieved his goal of making a positive impact on the world. Someday he will go on to his great reward, leaving behind those who knew him with this great legacy.

Longevity is not something we can demand or plan for.  The most we can do is live with kindness and purpose, being Christ for others by putting their needs before our own wants.  Throughout our life on earth, with God’s grace we can co-create this kind of legacy, no matter how many years we are blessed with.  We can be of service instead of expecting to be served. We can give more than we take.  We can multiply the gifts God has given us.  We can make our mark on this world and those around us, while looking forward to the life of the world to come with peace, faith, hope, and joy.

Maybe once in heaven we will see all those we knew in this life who phased out and crossed over.  Hopefully we will be free of any pain or doubt.  The best we can pray for is a divine compliment from God Almighty of “well done”.  Most of all we can spend an eternity praising God, free at last from earthly burdens and cares.