Despite Your Flaws, Play It Forward!

Emerge Stronger from Your Current Situation, and Make a Difference in Others' Lives

• It's better to light one candle than to curse the darkness.
• Make the world a better place and its people better off.
• Ease people's worry or self-condemnation.
• Encourage the broken, discouraged ones.
• Inspire others to greater heights.

Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God.—2 Corinthians 1:3-5

Norman Lear, a famous, recently deceased producer (All in the Family, The Jeffersons, and Maude), was asked what his formula for a happy, balanced, successful life was. He replied, "The keys are gratitude and humor!"

I would also add that "service to others" is the third key!

Famous Quotes Worth Pondering:

• Do all the good you can, by all the means you can, in all the ways you can, in all the places you can, at all the times you can, to all the people you can, as long as you ever can.—John Wesley

• Always remember that YOU matter, are important, are loved, and bring to this world things no one else can.—Charlie Mackesy

• "Out of suffering have emerged the strongest souls. The most massive characters are seared with scars."—Khalil Gibran

• "To know the road ahead, ask those coming back"—Chinese proverb

• "Every man lives his life in quiet desperation."—Henry David Thoreau

• "If every man's trouble were written on his brow, How many would have our pity who have our envy now."— Pietro Metastasio

• To be sure, I appear at times to be in good heart, talk, too, before others quite reasonably, and it looks as if I felt, too … Yet the soul maintains its deathly sleep, and the heart bleeds from a thousand wounds.—Hugo Wolf, author (Unquiet Mind, p. 39)

• I'm not brave anymore, darling. I'm all broken. They've broken me.― Ernest Hemingway, A Farewell to Arms

• President Abraham Lincoln's letter to John D. Stuart, January 23, 1841: I am now the most miserable man living. If what I feel were equally distributed to the whole human family, there would not be one cheerful face on the earth. Whether I shall ever be better, I cannot tell. I awfully forebode I shall not. To remain as I am is impossible. I must die or be better, it appears to me.

• Joseph (Jesus' human, non-biological father and husband of Mary): Of his plans—All that was left Was broken. Yet he learned What was left Was enough."—Sister M. Madeleva Williams

• If people bring so much courage to this world, the world has to kill them to break them, so, of course, it kills them. The world breaks everyone, and afterward, many are strong in the broken places. But those that will not break, it kills. It impartially kills the very good, gentle, and brave. If you are none of these, you can be sure it will kill you too, but there will be no particular hurry. ― Ernest Hemingway, A Farewell to Arms

• To go fast, go alone. To go far, go together— African proverb

• We are all angels with but one wing, and can only by embracing each other fly.—Luciano de Crescenzo, Italian writer, film actor, & engineer

• Pain is the passport that takes us into other people's lives like nothing else does.—author unknown

• The Fellowship Scars (and Loss and Pain) …Time does not heal, It makes a half-stitched scar That can be broken, and again you feel Grief as totals as in its first hour." —Elizabeth Jennings

• Even in our sleep, The pain which cannot forget Falls drop by drop Upon the heart Until in our own despair Against our will Comes wisdom Through the awful grace of God."—from Agamemnon by Aeschylus

• Ring the bells that still can ring. Forget your perfect offering. There's a crack in everything. That's how the light gets in.— Leonard Cohen, Anthem

• I thank God for my handicaps, for through them, I have found myself, my work, and my God.– Helen Keller

• Success isn't just about what you accomplish in your life; it's about what you inspire others to do. —Author unknown

• You may have to fight a battle more than once to win it.—Margaret Thatcher

• Do not judge me by my success. Judge me by how many times I fell down and got back up again.—Nelson Mandela

• You don't drown by falling in the water; you drown by staying there.—Edwin Louis Cole

• Two-time world heavyweight box champ Floyd Patterson was once interviewed by Bert Sugar, a boxing reporter: "Do you know you've been knocked down more times than any other boxer in history?" Patterson answered mildly, "Yes, but I got up more than anyone!"

• It's not whether you get knocked down. It's about whether you get up! —NFL Coach Vince Lombardi

Dr Joy Joffe notes, What happened to you was truly horrible. But you have a choice. You can live the rest of our life as a memorial service, or you can put it away and get on with it!

Remember the challenging words from Nolan Bushnell, founder of Atari, The critical thing is getting off your rear end and starting something!

DR. Ray Pendleton, Chairman of the Counseling Department at Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary, encourages: Let your messes become your message!

PS—Here are four suggestions for developing (and keeping) a good sense of humor as you reach out and lighten someone's life:

1. Increase your humor, and watch TV or YouTube movies that make you laugh.
2. Take a few minutes every day to read a joke or funny story and then share it with somebody, young or old. The internet is loaded with jokes.
3. Do something silly occasionally—like you did in childhood. Do it before your spouse, family, or friend— Wear an outrageous outfit or make a face
4. Laugh out loud whether you feel like it or not. (It will actually help you laugh even more).

So, PLAY IT FORWARD DESPITE YOUR FLAWS!

Dr. Jim Stout drjimstout@gmail.com www.drjimstout.com www.facebook.com/jimtstout

Managing the Challenges of Aging's "New Normal"

Lessons learned by Jim Stout from his physical and emotional recoveries from:

• Severe emotional and sexual abuse in childhood,
• Numerous hospitalizations for UTIs, Sepsis, Cellulitis, Pneumonia, TURP surgery, and blood clots,
• 43+ days in a nursing care and a rehabilitation center,
• Eight knee surgeries (including five total knee replacements),
• A heart stent,
• And his nearly six months of psychiatric hospitalization for depression and bipolar disorder in 1988-89

We face fresh challenges from the moment we are born. Following birth, we face unique trials every ten years—and every decade after. Here are but a few samples of the many "challenges" most of us encountered during each period of our lives:

0-9-years—Diaper rash, lost pacifiers, and our kids starting school.

10-19 years—Peer pressures, school grades, driving, dating, sexuality issues, and post-high school decisions.

20-29 years— Adult peer pressures, dating, career, and family launching,

30-39 years—Finding the balance between work, play, and raising kids.

40-49 years—Being more effective at work while nurturing spouses and raising teens.

50-59—Dealing with our aging parents and deciding about our future retirement.

60-69—Coping with decreased energy and finding new retirement activities.

70-79—Managing losses of health, mobility, memory, and friends.

80+—Handling more losses: hearing, vision, motivation, and more losses of family and friends.

The Bible's Psalm 90 describes what life will be like for those who live 70+ years:

A thousand years in your sight are like a day that has just passed or a watch in the night. Yet you sweep people away in the sleep of death—they are like the new grass of the morning: In the morning, it springs up new, but by evening, it is dry and withered ...We finish our years with a moan. Our days may come to seventy years or eighty if our strength endures. Yet the best of them are but trouble and sorrow, for they quickly pass, and we fly away … Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom … May the favor of the Lord our God rest on us; establish the work of our hands for us— Yes, establish the work of our hands.— Psalm 90 Portions

By mentally "numbering" our days, we accept the reality that we no longer live in the second half of our life or even the fourth quarter. We are now living in football's "two-minute warning" period. We never know when the final whistle will be blown to end our game on earth.

Therefore, it is both wise and courageous to implement the Bible's advice on how we use our time:

Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity.—Ephesians 6:15,16

Unfortunately, according to the Bible and many longevity experts, as we pass 70, even our best days will be tainted with troubles or sorrows. The Bible explains that aging's difficulties will accompany joy. These "trials" may be physical, emotional, mental, or spiritual.

So, since some of these "troubles and sorrows" are assured, how can we, the seventy-plus survivors, respond?

• Withdraw and Isolate from people and life?
• Seethe in resentment at the "unfairness" of our plight?
• Soak in self-pity?
• Distract our problems and anxieties with TV binging, work, travel, hobbies, work, or service projects for the church and community?

OR

• View our "troubles and sorrows" as challenges to cope with or overcome.

If we choose to view our senior suffering as typical age-related issues, we can stay ahead of the game and experience inner calm— instead of being overwhelmed with what Alcoholics Anonymous calls "Stinking thinking" that shows up as:

• Denying the wake-up calls of growing older—our diminishing mobility, abilities, and influence,
• Dreading negative possibilities—for our future health, finances, and living places,
• Boiling with inner anger—at our declining health, medical providers, non-caring relatives, and difficult friends,
• Isolating in lonely seclusion,
• Distracting ourselves—to avoid evidence of our age-induced changes
• Marinating in self-pity,
• Numbing inner pains with non-stop TV watching, alcohol, drugs, religious events, or secular activities,
• Numbing ourselves with other self-produced escapes fro our age-related problems

Instead of these self-defeating reactions to the ups and downs of aging, we can develop a workable approach to its varied "problems. " This starts with a paradigm shift—rather than seeing ourselves as helpless victims to envisioning ourselves as older, seasoned people with problems that can be coped with or overcome … while still making meaningful contributions to the world.

As aging followers of Jesus Christ who face increasing age-related issues, we have a great God who cares for us, protects us, and guides us.

As a fellow senior at almost 83, here are some suggestions to implement as you trudge through the gauntlet of your own postretirement's "troubles and sorrows" (I'm applying these, too):

Suggestion #1: As You Age, Take Charge of Your Physical, Spiritual, Mental, and Emotional Well-Being.

I refuse to depend totally on others for my health and happiness or blame others for my ills. I want to be like the wise case manager who weighs input from other experts and then makes his or her own decision.

I may need medical, mental, and spiritual health helpers more than ever, so I will seek expert input. I will be my own case manager and not let others have the last word.

If I must decide on surgery, rehabbing, senior living facility, or other matters, I will seek the best input by consulting with family, friends, and experts. But I will not blindly surrender my life to the control of others.

William Ernest Henley's famous poem, Invictus, challenges us to take responsibility for our fate despite the odds against us:

In the fell clutch of circumstance I have not winced nor cried aloud. Under the bludgeonings of chance My head is bloody but unbowed.

Beyond this place of wrath and tears Looms but the Horror of the Shade, And yet, the menace of the years Finds and shall find me unafraid.

It matters not how strait the gate, How charged with punishments the scroll, I am the master of my fate, I am the captain of my soul.

Some choose to wait passively for things to "get better." Yes, there's a place for praying and waiting. Yet, often, we must take steps to solve our problems.

Sometimes, making no decision is really making a decision. Without negating God's help, Dr. Robert Schuller underscores the importance of our own actions:

If it's going to be It's up to me.

Suggestion # 2: Accept Your Aging's "New Reality"— of More Kinds of Suffering and Sorrow: It Is What It Is.

The poem, O. Mr. Tentmaker, sums up my situation, which I must accept as my own "New Reality." I don't have to like losing friends, family members, career, health, and other forfeitures. But I must face that: "It is what it is."

O, Mr. Tentmaker

O, Mr. Tentmaker, it was nice living in this tent when it was strong and secure, the sun was shining, and the air was warm.

But Mr. Tentmaker, it's scary now. You see, my tent is acting like it is not going to hold together; the poles seem weak, and they shift with the wind. A couple of stakes have wiggled loose from the sand, and worst of all, the canvas has a rip. It no longer protects me from beating rain or stinging flies. It's scary in here, Mr. Tentmaker.

Last week I went to the repair shop and some repairman tried to patch the rip in my canvas. It didn't help much because the patch pulled away from the edges, and now the tear is worse.

What troubled me most, Mr. Tentmaker, is that the repairman didn't seem to notice I was still in the tent; he just worked on the canvas while I shivered inside. I cried out once, but no one heard me.

I guess my first real question is: Why did you give me such a flimsy tent? I can see by looking around the campground that some other tents are much stronger and more stable than mine. Why, Mr. Tentmaker, did you pick a tent of such poor quality for me? And even more important, what do you intend to do about it?

O little tent dweller, as the Creator and Provider of tents, I know all about you and your tent, and I love you both. I made a tent for Myself once and lived in it in your campground. My tent was vulnerable, too, and some vicious attackers ripped it to pieces while I was still in It … on a cross.

It was a terrible experience, but you will be glad to know they couldn't hurt me. In fact, the whole experience was a tremendous advantage because it is this very victory over my enemy that frees me to be a present help to you.

O little tent dweller, I am now prepared to come and live in your tent with you, if you'll invite me. You'll learn as we dwell together that real security comes from My being in your tent with you. When the storms come, you can huddle in my arms, and I'll hold you.

When the canvas rips, we'll go to the repair shop together. Someday, little tent dweller, your tent is going to collapse. You see, I've designed it only for temporary use. But when it does, you and I are going to leave together. I promise not to leave before you do. And then, free of all that would hinder or restrict, we will move to our permanent home, and together, forever, we will rejoice and be glad.—Author unknown.

Here's good news for those who are getting older and have a deteriorating physical issue or mental decline: As a follower of Jesus Christ, you will receive in heaven a new body, a new start!

Therefore, we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly, we are being renewed daily. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen but on what is unseen since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.

Awaiting the New Body, we know that if our earthly tent is destroyed, we have a building from God, an eternal house in heaven, not built by human hands. Meanwhile, we groan, longing to be clothed instead with our heavenly dwelling because when we are clothed, we will not be found naked.

For while we are in this tent, we groan and are burdened because we do not wish to be unclothed but to be clothed instead with our heavenly dwelling so that what is mortal may be swallowed up by life. Now, God has fashioned us for this very purpose, who has given us the Spirit as a deposit, guaranteeing what is to come.

Therefore, we are always confident and know that as long as we are at home in the body, we are away from the Lord, for we live by faith, not by sight. We are confident, I say, and would prefer to be away from the body and at home with the Lord. So we make it our goal to please him, whether we are at home in the body or away from it." —2 Corinthians 4:16-5:9

Suggestion # 3: When Faced with a Problem, Try Applying the First Three Steps of Alcoholics Anonymous.

Praying or silently stating these three steps can give one a fresh perspective, courage, and infuse with inner stability to weather difficult times.

1. I admitted I am powerless over alcohol (or any problem) — that my life has become unmanageable.
2. I am trying to believe that only a Power greater than myself can restore me to balanced thinking.
3. I am deciding to turn my will and our lives over to the care of God as I understand Him.

Suggestion # 4: Seek Out and Strengthen Your Social Support.

Alarmingly, numerous studies show that one of the leading causes of earlier death is social isolation: having little or no social support from friends.

Sadly, many seniors excessively watch TV, use their computers, travel, read, or engage in other impersonal distractions. For many, these serve as their primary social connections, and their lives revolve around doctor visits, trips to the pharmacy, grocery shopping, movies, news, sports events, and soap operas!

It takes time, effort, and facing the risk of disappointment to reach by joining a group, club, church, or community program or meeting regularly with friends. Among the myriad rewards are better health and added longevity.

Suggestion # 5: Brighten Someone Else's Corner— Whenever Possible, Encourage Someone Else

In 1907, a sermon preached by Rev. William L. Watkinson included a phrase that's been quoted by scores of people, including Eleanor Roosevelt, singers Peter, Paul, and Mary, in their song, Light One Candle:

It's better to light one candle than to curse the darkness!

The Bible explains,

…the God of all comfort comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we receive from God.—2 Corinthians 1:3,4

Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity.—Ephesians 5: 15-17

Where and how can you light your candle to brighten someone's life with encouragement today?

Your spouse, family member, neighbor, doctor, nurse, druggist, pastor/priest, supermarket cashier, postman, or someone else?

How will you do it?

Try using affirming words, a note, email, text, phone call, or a gift.

Suggestion # 6: Use Your Abilities and Experiences (Positive and Negative) to Help People and Better the World.

The Bible states,

God has given each of you some special abilities; be sure to use them to help each other, passing on to others God's many kinds of blessings.—1 Peter 4:10

John Wesley, the renowned traveling preacher and founder of the Methodist Church, still holds true:

Do all the good you can, in all the ways you can, to all the souls you can, in every place you can, at all the times you can, with all the zeal you can, as long as ever you can.

Suggestion # 7: Strengthen Your Attitude of Gratitude—to God and Other People.

Each morning, as soon as you awaken, thank God (or your Higher Power) for the three blessings you received yesterday—for positive events such as your doctor's report, your grandchild's play at school, finding a new pair of shoes, a great TV show, a good exercise class, and others.

In addition to thanking God, try taking a few seconds to tell someone of your appreciation of them or for what they do. A simple "thank you" goes a long way for recipients, many of whom rarely, if ever, receive a "thank you" from their boss, client, customer, neighbor, friend, or family member

Did you know that several studies conclude that emails and texts containing a "thank you" have a measurable impact and get better results than those with no statement of gratitude?

Suggestion # 8: Seek God's Guidance in Your Key Decisions.

Unfortunately, masses of God followers are like fish flopping out of the water on the beach, not knowing how to handle situations such as dating, buying a car or house, switching jobs or careers, taking vacations or retirement, and other choices.

God desires his children, old and young, rich and poor, to depend on Him. He constantly offers His advice and direction. Yet some avoid or refuse to seek His help. Scripture observes,

You do not have because you do not ask God.— James 4:2

Do you know what "God's Telephone Number" is? In Jeremiah 33:3, God promises,

Call Me, and I will answer you and show you great and mighty things that you do not know.

The God of the universe promises to guide and help his children,

I will instruct you and teach you in the way which you should go; I will counsel you with my eye upon you.— Psalm 32:8

I will lead the blind in a way they do not know, In paths they do not know, I will guide them. I will make darkness into light before them And rugged places into plains. These are the things I will do.—Isaiah 42:16

Suggestion # 9: Regardless of Your Age or Condition, Undertake New Ways of Serving Others and Sharing Your Faith.

Tragically, multitudes of seniors wrongly believe their aging issues have ended their helpful service. They incorrectly assume their illnesses, weakened mobility, limited income, and fading memory disqualify them from making a difference in God's world and people.

Yet, catch God's challenges to the Old Testament hero Joshua,

When Joshua had grown old, the Lord said to him, "You are now very old, and there are still very large areas of land to be taken over."—Joshua 13:1

Notice, Joshua's age-attitude,

So here I am today, eighty-five years old! I am still as strong today as the day Moses sent me out; I'm just as vigorous to go out to battle now as I was then … the Lord is helping me; I will drive them out just as he said. —Joshua 14:10-12

If you are intimidated by your age-related limitations, please take heart from God's encouragement— so you can move forward to new opportunities for service,

The Lord, He is the One who goes before you. He will be with you, He will not leave you nor forsake you; do not fear nor be dismayed.—Deuteronomy 31:8

Suggestion # 10: Re-Start Old Hobbies or Develop New Ones.

The Bible states,

There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens: a time to tear down and a time to build, a time to mourn and a time to dance. —Ecclesiastes 3

We have different gifts according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in line with yourfaith; if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach; if it is to encourage, then encourage; if it is giving, then give generously; if it is to lead, do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully. —Romans 12:6-8

Outside of your work, what special interests have given you enjoyment? Could you resurrect some past hobbies or explore new activities? They might be gardening, collecting stamps or coins, bird watching, painting, piano or guitar playing, sculpting, puzzles, fishing, or other fun pursuits.

Suggestion # 11: Every Day, Laugh or Help Someone Else Laugh.

The Bible reminds us that,

There is a time for everything … a time to weep and a time to laugh.—Ecclesiastes 3

Modern medicine validates the ancient biblical truth that,

A cheerful heart is a good medicine … the cheerful heart has a continual feast. —Proverbs 17:22; Proverbs 15:15

Common sense affirms, "A joke a day keeps the stress away." A great daily challenge is to find a joke on the internet, tell a joke, or play a practical trick on someone. Why not experiment with this fun pastime?

Humorous truths about aging:

Old age is ten years older than you think you are! —An anonymous aging comedian

No Whining, no complaining! —Sign on a senior living facility door

If it's important to you, you'll find a way. If not, you'll find an excuse! —Author unknown, USMC, Wounded Warrior Battalion, Camp Pendleton, CA

Live every day as if it's your last. And someday, you'll be right! —Muhammad Ali

Finish Strong! —The front side of a Men's Challenge Coin

Conclusion:

Kimora Lee Simmons' practical wisdom shines through our procrastination, anxiety, and stuck-in-a-rut thinking,

Life is a series of adjustments. You can make changes along the way, but if you don't start moving forward, you'll never get anywhere. —

As you move ahead, please remember you have three choices to make from now on:

GIVE UP, or GIVE IN, or GIVE IT ALL YOU'VE GOT!

I choose to adapt to my age's challenges and "finish strong." I encourage you to make it your goal to "Finish Strong" and be able to echo what the Apostle Paul told his young mentee, Timothy,

I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. —2 Timothy 4:7

Amen!

Appendix 1

The Story of the Discarded Christmas Trees

A parable about facing life's final quarter and embracing your life's purpose

Around New Year's Day, dozens of used-up, discarded Christmas trees lie on sidewalks' edges or by curbs. They silently wait for the garbage collector to jam them into his huge truck and haul them off.

Only days ago these were vibrant pines, well-lit with dozens of small, sparkling white bulbs and decorated with colorful ornaments of all sorts. Beautiful stars perched proudly on top to celebrate the Savior's birth.

These trees anchored our homes. They boasted bright, deep green needles and strong, healthy branches. They smelled of an ever-greenish cologne that exemplified hope, happiness, and aliveness. And whenever anyone brushed against them, our quiet green family centerpieces gently, graciously flexed, and sprung back to shape.

Now, fading Christmas trees that served as loving symbols of Christmas are removed from their warm homes and dropped on front yard curbs, waiting to be picked up as trash by large, green garbage trucks. Their evergreen scent has dimmed to a musty odor. Their green needles have turned grey, even brown. Their strong, springy branches have stiffened into rigid sticks. The once-proud trees now look frail, fragile, helpless, and useless—good only to be trashed or burned. In an act of anonymous rejection, every blast of wind drags them helplessly into the street, like a tumbleweed blown across a country road.

How heartbreaking to see something once sought after, useful, and highly valued now simply thrown away like an unwelcome memory. Next season, they'll be replaced by a new tree and quickly forgotten.

But rather than despair, these trees can finally rest in peace. They spent all their days growing and growing and growing until they were beautiful and strong and the perfect centerpiece for Christmas. But all too soon, Christmas was over, and the trees were dumped on the curb. Yet they can rest easy in the gentle satisfaction that they've fulfilled their purpose of bringing joy and remembrance to many people.

Our own lives are a lot like those of the Christmas trees, with our fame and service only lasting a brief time.

The Bible says,

"What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes … The length of our days is seventy years—or eighty, if we have the strength; yet their span is but trouble and sorrow, for they quickly pass, and we fly away … Teach us to number our days aright, that we might gain a heart of wisdom … Be very careful then, how you live— not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity" (James 4:14; Psalm 90:10, 12; Ephesians 5: 15, 16 NIV)

I think Shakespeare's Macbeth might have had this view of life when he wrote,

To-morrow, and to-morrow, and to-morrow, Creeps in this petty pace from day to day To the last syllable of recorded time, And all our yesterdays have lighted fools The way to dusty death. Out, out, brief candle! Life's but a walking shadow, a poor player That struts and frets his hour upon the stage And then is heard no more: it is a tale Told by an idiot, full of sound and fury, Signifying nothing.

If there's a lesson to be learned in the story of the old Christmas tree, it is: "A life well-lived, well-ended— requires acceptance."

This is certainly true for me. In my case, genuine acceptance starts with dealing constructively with my age-related limits—which include diminishing energy, rehabbing injuries, having fewer opportunity options, and realizing I have a lessening of time left on planet Earth.

True acceptance means giving a positive response to life's constraints and setbacks. The acceptance that infuses peace-giving requires me to come to visualize my own weaknesses, sufferings, and mortality honestly. Real acceptance requires me to face the fact that my life will only be a short span of time, and then I will permanently disappear from Earth.

I believe genuine acceptance results in both sadness and freedom. By accepting my difficulties and my time-rationed "aging condition," I can't shortcut the sorrow that mourns my difficulties and losses. Yet, by acknowledging them, I can feel a new freedom from fear, regret, and resentment—because I've decided to make the most of whatever limitations I may face— now and in the future.

Sure, I could decide to stay in denial of my life's brevity. Like so many others, I could unrealistically believe there will always be more time, more years left, to do the things I've dreamed of and have planned. Yet, the Bible teaches realism, "The length of our days is seventy years—or eighty if we have the strength; yet their span is but trouble and sorrow, for they quickly pass, and we fly away." (Psalm 90:10-NIV).

But denial of my life's now-limited timetable is like living in a large bubble in the bathtub—a fragile air pocket that could burst, unpredictably, at any moment. I choose to accept rather than deny my own air bubble with its shrinking limits.

So … I know that my life is not too different from the short-lived lives of Christmas trees. But for Christmas trees, the dump is the absolute end. For me, it will only be the beginning of a new life, eternal life … in heaven with Jesus and my family, my friends, and a host of believers from the ages!

But while I'm still here on earth, I'll embrace these three lessons from the story of the discarded Christmas trees:

First, I want to make the most of every opportunity for fun, service, and witness. To do this, I need to trust God's promises in the Bible:

They (believers) will still bear fruit in old age, and they will stay fresh and green, proclaiming, "The Lord is upright; he is my rock, and there is no wickedness in him." – Psalm 92: 14, 15 (NIV)

The Lord watches over you … The Lord will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore. – Psalm 121:5, 8 –(NIV)

For this is our God forever and ever; He will be our guide even to the end. – Psalm 48:14 (NIV)

Listen to me … you whom I have upheld since you were conceived and have carried since your birth. Even to your old age and grey hairs, I am he who will sustain you. I have made you, and I will sustain you, and I will rescue you. – Isaiah 46:3, 4 (NIV)

Second, I realize that my efforts, however successful or unsuccessful, celebrated or unrecognized, will be short-lived in their influence and in others' memories.