Let the Word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God. Colossians 3:16

When you look back on your life, is there anything you'd like to change?

That was a question asked a number of years ago. The only thing special about the survey was that the question was only given to people who were over the age of 95 years.

It was an open-ended question. Those who responded could reply with any answer they wanted.

There were no religious overtones, no anticipated or encouraged responses. All they had to do was give their reply to the question: "Is there anything you'd like to change about your life?"

There were many answers given, but most of them fell into three categories:

1. I would reflect more. (This was one of the most popular answers.)
2. I would risk more.
3. I would do more things that would live on after I'm dead.

Now, I'm not 95 years old -- not yet. Odds are you aren't either.

Even so, I've found myself trying to answer that question. What would I change in my life up until this point? What would I do differently if I could do things over?

After some mulling of the question, I've concluded those golden-agers have come up with a good idea.

I would indeed spend more time reflecting about the grace of God and how blessed I am to have a Savior. I would risk more things on those battles where the Savior is being maligned or put down.

Lastly, I would do more things that will have a positive impact for the Lord's Kingdom. I would try to leave a heritage for the generations who are coming after me -- for those who will be persecuted and put upon for holding fast to Jesus, the Savior.

Yup, those older folks have given me some good ideas. I don't think I'll wait until I'm 95 to try them out. Maybe you shouldn't wait, either.


From a devotion originally written for "By the Way"



THE PRAYER: Dear Lord, as I grow older, I pray my times of reflection may be focused on You and how I can give thanks for a Savior who has rescued me. Grant me the grace to live a life, which, long or short, may please You. In Jesus' Name. Amen.

In Christ I remain His servant and yours,

Today's Bible Readings: 2 Chronicles 13-14    2 Corinthians 4

To Download Devotion MP3 to your computer, right click here and select "Save Link As" or "Save Target As" or "Download Linked File As"