Reflective Thoughts by Elaine Hemingway
I was in a supermarket the other day, and was chatting to a friend. He greeted me
with enthusiasm, and soon revealed a fresh perspective on his life. “You know,”
he said, “I celebrated my 64th birthday last week, so I can claim a few aches and
pains, now that I have earned them.”As the conversation progressed, I remarked that
I am now in my 8th decade, with still much that I want to do.
“Are you serious?” he asked, as though his contemplation of approaching retirement
had been challenged and found wanting. Our lives are passing shadows, but there
are times within the shadows that have depths still to be explored. When more lies
behind us than what lies before, it is time to gather our resources and concentrate
on the priorities. What a pleasure to know that one day, maybe soon, or maybe in
a decade or so, there is the prospect of meeting with the King of kings, the Lord
Jesus Christ, and hearing Him say, “Well done, good and faithful servant.”
What a pity if we have failed to recognise the work He has for us to do, be it
momentous or menial.
Jeremiah 29:11 “I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord “Plans to prosper
you, not to harm you; plans to give you hope and a future.”
I don’t want to miss out on His plans, for I have learnt that they are better than
mine. When He invades my plans and turns them around, then I am willing to change
direction.
Matthew 11:28. Come to me, all who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.
The rest that comes from work well done is worth working for.
The wonder of God’s call on our lives is that the reward of eternal life cannot
be earned, but is freely given by grace at whatever time in our lives we accept
and respond to His call. When we say, “I believe You died for me. Forgive my unbelief,
my doubts, my fears, my ignorance, or whatever way I have failed You, and take me
into Your family,” His answer is always “Welcome.”
Whether much or little can be offered in gratitude, the heart that says, “He is
Lord,” when asked “Who is Jesus?” will always be rewarded. That’s good enough for
me.
Elaine Hemingway.
(Elaine writes from South Africa)
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