Wednesday, June 27, 2012

When even God says you’re old



Today I am celebrating a … um … I am observing a significant birthday.


Getting old humbles a woman.


The other day I looked over my body, wondering if I could find one square inch without wrinkles. I found a place—depending on how I hold my arm—but I tell ya, it’s not easy to show off the underside of my forearm in public.


As if that’s not humbling enough, even God seems to be reminding me I’m old.


While thumbing through my Bible I ran across this—highlighted! Who highlighted it?!? Not me!—so I took it as a sign to apply it personally:


In Joshua 13, God looked at Joshua and said, “You are getting very old.”


Sheesh! I suppose He’s looking at me today and saying the same thing.


I’ve wanted to hear God say many things, but never that. Never, “Linda, you are getting very old.”


Joshua must have squirmed at what God said next: He pointed out Joshua still had big tasks to carry out before it was too late—duties only Joshua could complete.


God listed specifics and then said, “You’ve gotta do this, Joshua, as an inheritance. Leave this legacy for your tribes—your family. Do it. Do it now.”


Well, that got me to thinking. And squirming. God has tasks for me to accomplish while I’m still walking this earth, things He wants me to leave for my family.


It’s like God is saying, “You’ve gotta do this, Linda, as an inheritance. Leave this legacy for your tribes—your family. Do it. Do it now.”


I can’t know how many days or weeks or years I have in which to prepare and complete that legacy, so I’ve been asking myself, What should be my priorities? What am I doing with the time I have left? Am I wasting it with pursuits that have little or no significance? What activities do I need to set aside so I can spend my time wisely? What legacy do I need to be working on?


One of my priorities is carrying out Deuteronomy 4:9, “Always remember what you’ve seen God do for you and be sure to tell your children and grandchildren!”


I want to tell our family’s stories—not because our family is special but because God is special.


It’s not about us. It’s all about God.


I want my stories to celebrate Him


Perhaps you, too, suspect it’s time to rearrange your priorities. What legacy should you be preparing?


Since inheritances come in assorted forms and shapes and sizes, which inheritances are the most important to leave your kids and grandkids?


Do you hear God’s voice today? In one way or another, He’s whispering in your ear, “You’ve gotta do this, (fill in your name), as an inheritance. Leave this legacy for your tribes—your family. Do it. Do it now.”


Focus on finishing well and leaving God-and-you stories for your kids and grandkids. God can use them to bless, teach, entertain, challenge, and shape those who come after you—for His glory. 



9 comments:

  1. Thank you for a delightful post that made me smile. The idea of leaving a legacy is something that encourages me. At 48, this year I've begun to think over what the rest of my life means, and I come to the conclusion that it's all about growing to be more like Jesus and blessing others with his love.

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    1. Hi, Olive Tree! Wonderful to hear from you. :)

      You are so wise, at the young age of 48, to already be thinking about how to live the rest of your life with God-focused ambitions. You have already lived your life with a heavenly purpose -- you are an amazing woman. Thank you for the encouragement you have been in my life. :)

      Linda

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  2. Happy Birthday Linda! I pray that God will help you spend many more years inspiring all of us with your wonderful posts and allow you to complete the legacy you want to leave.

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    1. Hi, Cathy, and thanks for the birthday wishes. You are so kind. :) Thanks for your encouraging words, too. You are a blessing.

      Linda

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  3. Happy birthday, Linda. This is a very good post and has got me to thinking. I'm only 43, but I know there are things God has set before me to do as well. I need to get focused and get busy! :-)

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    1. Hi, Victoria, I'm glad if you found something here that you can ponder even at your young age. :) Bless you for getting started even now on those things God has set before you to do. I hope you find them all fulfilling and joy-producing, Victoria. Thanks for stopping by.

      Smiles,
      Linda

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  4. Happy Birthday, Linda! We're close in age and I must say, you're not getting older, you're getting better plus even if the years are adding up. God really does need us feisty old ladies to do His work.:-) We didn't come through it all to NOT leave a legacy. You are a constant source of inspiration to us all. God knows who to hand the pen to. Here's to many more years of you inspiring us through Him.

    Blessings,
    Kathy

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    1. Hi, Kathy, thanks for the birthday greetings. Your positive perspective on aging made my day!!! And you said it well, "God needs feisty old ladies to do His work." Thanks for being my feisty friend! :)

      Smiles,
      Linda

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  5. Linda, a belated happy birthday to you! You, who from my perspective, is not old -- just aging like fine wine. Despite what might be popular public opinion, those of our generation have much to share and in sharing we can make our families and our world better places to live in. So, what's not to share, or leave as a legacy? Guess we'd better get busy on what God wants us to do! You're an inspiration to so many -- keep it up, please!

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