As we age, many of us reach the point where we have very little to look forward to. Oh, sure, we might get occasional visits from children and other relatives or friends. We may enjoy certain activities in our communities, such as bingo games or easily accessible concerts. We may even be fond of a television program or two, making it a point to tune in when circumstances permit.
But I think it’s safe to say that for most elderly people, the days of butterflies-in-the-tummy anticipation are long gone. There are a number of reasons for this – perhaps most notably, the fact that even the most momentous events seem to be over almost before they’ve begun.
James had it right when he wrote, in chapter 4 of his New Testament epistle, “For what is your life? It is even a vapor that appears for a little time and then vanishes away.”
I personally think that this is another brilliant aspect of the Lord’s design for our lives. After all, if there are no fabulous events to look forward to in this life, perhaps we’ll turn our attention to what’s rumored to await us in the next – and, for those who are still uncertain, to making sure that we land in the right place.
If we look to the demonstrably true Bible, we learn that heaven will be wonderful beyond our wildest imaginations for born-again children of God. And we learn exactly how to make sure that we will be among them, by repenting and trusting in Him.
Once we do so, and turn our attention from things of this world, we’re free to focus our hopes and dreams on the life to come. We’re able to anticipate that “glad reunion with our dear loved ones who’ve gone before.” We’re able to imagine, and to fervently pray for, eternal fulfillment of our hearts’ fondest desires. And we’re able to rejoice in the knowledge that, before long, we will rest permanently in the presence of the One who laid down His life for us almost 2000 years ago.
In the end, looking forward to the future is simply a matter of developing eternal eyes. And when we do? Prepare for butterflies that are destined to last forevermore!
But I think it’s safe to say that for most elderly people, the days of butterflies-in-the-tummy anticipation are long gone. There are a number of reasons for this – perhaps most notably, the fact that even the most momentous events seem to be over almost before they’ve begun.
James had it right when he wrote, in chapter 4 of his New Testament epistle, “For what is your life? It is even a vapor that appears for a little time and then vanishes away.”
I personally think that this is another brilliant aspect of the Lord’s design for our lives. After all, if there are no fabulous events to look forward to in this life, perhaps we’ll turn our attention to what’s rumored to await us in the next – and, for those who are still uncertain, to making sure that we land in the right place.
If we look to the demonstrably true Bible, we learn that heaven will be wonderful beyond our wildest imaginations for born-again children of God. And we learn exactly how to make sure that we will be among them, by repenting and trusting in Him.
Once we do so, and turn our attention from things of this world, we’re free to focus our hopes and dreams on the life to come. We’re able to anticipate that “glad reunion with our dear loved ones who’ve gone before.” We’re able to imagine, and to fervently pray for, eternal fulfillment of our hearts’ fondest desires. And we’re able to rejoice in the knowledge that, before long, we will rest permanently in the presence of the One who laid down His life for us almost 2000 years ago.
In the end, looking forward to the future is simply a matter of developing eternal eyes. And when we do? Prepare for butterflies that are destined to last forevermore!
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