Life

by

Pastor B.J. Knefley

I am reminded once again how fragile life can be. For one, the birth of a child brings great joy, while at the same time, the death of a loved one brings deep sorrow. The two, life and death, go hand in hand. It’s the nature of  life. If we’ve experience the first, then we will surely experience the second.

Like you, I’ve wondered why things happen as they do. King Solomon did the same when he wrote the Book of Ecclesiastes. Although I believe that life has a purpose, it seems to be an allusive purpose for many. I’ve wondered about that too? How can it seem to be so clear to one, yet not the other.

I’m getting older, as is everyone. Many in my age group are dying. Some are in nursing homes. While still others are just trying to get through the day, one day at a time. My health is good. I’m active, so much so that sometimes my wife tries to nail my feet to the floor to keep me from over doing. At the end of this week I’m going backpacking for three nights and four days. Why? Because I can. Some have asked what will you do if you get hurt? My answer, what if I don’t? Just because life is fragile doesn’t mean I should live in a protected bubble. I’d like to bicycle across New York State on the Erie Canal Trail. Will it happen? It might, but if it doesn’t it’s okay, there will be another day.

Trust me, my life isn’t perfect. Getting this old body moving in the morning is sometimes quite the event. I push myself to do some things like walking three miles a day. Some days I miss, but not many. I took up sailing a couple years ago and have realized that sailing is like life, you can’t go where you want to go, you have to follow the wind. To me, that’s like following the Spirit of God. He blows where He wills, (John 3:8). My job is to follow. It’s never in a straight line. It’s full of ups and downs, twists and turns, but it’s okay, it’s life. Settling back and enjoying the ride is half the fun and battle all rolled into one. Our life has been given to live. Think about it.