I have lots of time to think…while I drive, while I wait for my truck to be unloaded. In fact, driving a truck probably allows me more thinking time than any job I’ve had. At least, I’m taking greater advantage of the time to do more thinking.
What do I think about? Well, there are the usual things of family, sports, weather, etc. But I also spend a lot of time thinking about God, my purpose, the best use of my talents, and the like. Several things have dawned on me during these thinking spells.
Most people I know don’t spend much time thinking about the real important things in life. Most people let life happen to them rather than actively planning what their life will be. Most people don’t critically think about the dire consequences of following the patterns of this world. I wonder if people who drive gas guzzlers, for example, really know or care about the problems their vehicles create for our world. I wonder if those who spend tens of thousands of dollars for home entertainment centers are aware of the people in their city who have barely enough money for only one sparse meal a day. I wonder if those with lots of friends and family know the loneliness that so many people experience.
To be honest, most of my choices are prompted by my likes, dislikes, pleasure, comfort, etc. and not by what God might want from me.
One thing I have been thinking about a lot lately is retirement (not that I’m anywhere near old enough!). But I have been thinking about where I might want to live when that time comes. Several options appeal to me. We could move back to New England where we spent nearly 20 wonderful years of our lives, near one of our children and among people we know and love. Or we could pick a part of the country known for its cheaper cost of living. Maybe central Kentucky near fishing lakes and family. I’d really like to buy a little place up in the Colorado Rockies away from the hustle of city life. Perhaps there’s nothing wrong with any of the choices we have for retirement. But then again, maybe there is.
Perhaps it’s really not our choice as to where we live out our lives; maybe it’s the Father’s choice. Could it be that he might have a say in where we live our lives? Maybe it’s God’s will for us to live and die in Midtown Memphis (or some other part of this city) around people who need whatever degree of Godly influence we might offer. And maybe this principle applies to other areas of life…like how we spend our money, how we treat our bodies (can I really serve him best if I’m out of shape?), who we befriend or who we don’t.
I know this: I have lots of time to think, and frankly, sometimes I don’t like it! It makes me uncomfortable at times. But I believe God speaks in silence, and that requires I turn off XM, t.v., get alone and listen to the One who wants to direct my life.
Your thoughts?
(Reprinted from June 2007)
Steve,
This entry may be almost two years old, but still relevant and perhaps ageless. I truly appreciate your thoughts, whether old or new. Thanks for coming to the wedding!
Your brother in Him,
Fred
By: Fred Phillips on May 4, 2009
at 9:42 am
You will never retire from the kingdom of joy, Steve. You know that there are many surprises ahead and the best is yet to come. In silence listening you will know.
By: Terry Sanford Smith on May 24, 2009
at 8:28 pm