more ahead

24 March 2010

I watched a celebrity interview on television this morning with my first cup of coffee. Sometimes I like to do something brain-dead before the day begins. The celebrity was in his early 40's, and a statement was made in the interview that I haven't been able to shake all morning. The interviewer said, "Are you thinking at this point and as you're looking ahead in your life saying maybe there's less ahead than there was behind?" The statement kind of fell on deaf ears because they soon started talking about his upcoming movie. But I could not forget about it. In fact, it made me ponder my own life (being 40-something myself).

Is there less ahead than there was behind? I don't think so. In fact, I know so.

Within my last 40 years, I have had a full and challenging child and "teenage-hood". I married at 21 and had four children by the time I was 30. I self-taught myself graphic design and launched my freelance business. My years have been blessed with family, friends, moves, churches, tragedies, and celebrations.

But what is ahead of me? That, I'm not completely sure of. No one is. I hope for wonderful spouses for my children and a ton of grandchildren. I look forward to growing old with my hubby of almost 20 years. I'm excited to be a part of everything God has planned for me - good or bad, happy or sad (isn't that a song?).

However, it's what's after the life here that I'm really looking forward to. Seriously. My life here is but a vapor. The hours, the days, the years seem to fly by. I don't enjoy or make the most of every moment. I get overwhelmed with my "to do" lists. I sometimes cringe watching the face in the mirror wrinkle and age. But I am sure of this - what God has prepared for me after my time on earth is finished is a billion times better than anything I've experienced here.

All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. It is by his great mercy that we have been born again, because God raised Jesus Christ from the dead. Now we live with great expectation, and we have a priceless inheritance—an inheritance that is kept in heaven for you, pure and undefiled, beyond the reach of change and decay. - 1 Peter 1:3-4

And so, do not think to yourself (especially, you, middle age woman) that life is halfway done. There is NOT more behind than what lies ahead. Move forward in faith. Journey on joyful. Look ahead... way ahead. It's beyond your wildest dreams.