The Price of Longevity

My maternal grandmother lived to be 102.  She had three children and eight grandchildren who loved her dearly.  She was a strong Christian who took her offspring to church and lived out her faith.

She lived long enough to (one at a time) lose her parents, all of her siblings, her husband and numerous friends.  I recall observing her losing a friend, making  a new friend over the course of time and then losing that friend as well.  This process repeated itself over and over again.  Having lost a few people at this point in my life, I can only imagine how that must have hurt.  Isn’t that what a boxer might say?  “After you get hit in the face often enough, it starts to sting.”

My little Norwegian friend, Faith, lived to be 101.  Her parents gave her the perfect name because she was FAITHful to the end and literally radiated Christ as many who knew her can attest.  A few months before she died, she joked, “My friends (in heaven) are going to think I didn’t make it!”

None of us knows the number of years we are given.  Live long enough and you will experience many losses.  Do you want to see all of your loved ones again?  Then, take advantage of the time you have, praying for those who are still here as well as sharing your personal experiences with the Lord.  Yes, the price of longevity may be loss, but it’s also opportunity.

 

“Conduct yourself with wisdom…making the most of the opportunity.  Let your speech always be seasoned with grace.”  (Colossians 4:5-6a)

“…and I pray that you may be active in sharing your faith…”  (Philemon 6)

”…and even when I am old and gray, O God, do not forsake me until I declare Your strength to this generation, Your power to all who are to come.”  (Psalm 71:18)

10 Comments

  1. Donna

    Sweet Faith! What a witness she was to many. And your friendship with her over the years speaks of your faithfulness Teri. I’m built up by your post. THANK YOU!!

  2. Emma Geene

    Old age is not the favorite time of my life but my hope and prayer is that I would glorify myLord in my words and actions.

    • Pam Bayha

      Emma Geene, you do glorify the Lord with your words and actions. You are an inspiration to me and many others. ❤

  3. Larry

    Time is short and eternity long. We may think we’ve lived a long time but in comparison to eternity? Thx for reminder! Still work to be done!

  4. Crystal

    T e one thing we can take with us are our friends and families who have received our Ssvior as lord of their lives. May we never give up praying for those who have not made that choice. Good word Teri!
    🙏🏻❤️

  5. Linda

    This devotional tugged at my heart. I agree with Crystal response to be committed to praying for our loved ones who are still walking this earth and have not yet surrendered to the Lord Jesus Christ.

  6. Linda Dircks

    Praying for the lost to choose Jesus and be faithful! Ah, Faith…her photo smiles at me everyday. Making most of the time we are given! Well said, Teri….THANKS!

  7. Cathy

    Amen to all! Thanks again Teri!❤️

  8. Linda Christian

    I loved this post. May we all be aware of proclaiming the gospel for however long we live.

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