Twenty Five Years

I am now 25 years old.

WHOA DUDE!
A quarter of a century.
As the day passed -- I wanted to be able to "reflect" a bit with the blog.
The opportunity for that has not come until now.

Do you realize that if I were to live 75 years (is that the "average life expectantcy?) I am already one-third of the way there.
If I were to die tomorrow I have not been the best steward of my time.

As I look back on my 25 years of living -- what have I done that will last in and for eternity?
If I were to die right now and the Lord set my works to burn in testing -- what would stand?

The Lord -- He has been faithful and purposeful. He has not wasted me. He has molded me and shaped me.

In the last 25 years -- what have "I" accomplished?
...A lot of schooling...

Overall, I learned and soaked in this world. Grew and developed in concepts and understanding.
Spiritually, I learned about the Lord, was reborn/adopted, realized who He is, grew in knowledge and trust and love for Him...

So, these years have been the preparatory years. This has been the time of spring -- the seed growing, feeding on the nourishment, fighting through the weeds that could choke, pressing on through God's grace, growing strength in my roots while the rains pour down, wilting, growing -

Then I wonder...what will happen with the next part of my life (depending on how long the Lord has given me)?

Now I have this as a stewardship. The Lord planted my soul in fertile ground.
What fruit has He been preparing for me? What good works should I pursue?

Maybe, though, the next section of my life won't be the focus of "what fruit will I bear," but, "how will the Lord prune me?"

In order for me to bear much fruit -- and see my treasure in heaven -- this young, crazy bush must be still shaped and trimmed. He's already started to use His shears (HALLELUJAH!) they are sharp and He is sure. With each rip and tear (though they have been minor, comparatively,) He calls out, "I love you! Trust Me more! Love Me more! Know more of Me!!"

With more of these experiences I see the reality of His promise to complete the work and present me blameless. With CA to WA's chop -- I rebelled. From WA to OH's pruning -- I went willingly but did not rejoice.

Now I see -- REJOICE.

He's my all in all. (Do I believe that?)
ALL to Him I owe. (Do I give Him all?)
Sin had left a crimson stain -- He washed it white as snow.

By His grace ALONE, I will choose to abide in Him. I will pursue the opportunities for Him to chop me.

For twenty-five years I have been taught and now (it would seem,) I must act.

Lord, guide me to my gray hairs and beyond!!