I was born in 1938, so I will be 70 years old on my next birthday.
I have never been particularly enamored by milestones when it comes to age. I do not remember any specific celebrations when I turned 16 or 21 or any of the other important dates in my life’s journey. A decade ago when I turned 60, a group of my friends took me to lunch and that was a memorable occasion, though hearing 10 older men singing “Happy Birthday” was a little embarrassing.
There is, however, something special in my mind about approaching 70.
Perhaps it has to do with the statement of Moses in Psalm 90:12 which reads: “The days of our years are threescore years and ten; and if by reason of strength they be fourscore years, yet is their strength labor and sorrow for it is soon cut off, and we fly away.”
I am sure that the Bible is not indicating that a person can expect to live to 70 or 80 (interestingly, the average expectant life span in America is 77.8 years). The point of the verse is that our lives are limited and filled with labor and sorrow; and we are challenged to number our days so that we can apply our hearts unto wisdom (verse 13). There are many events that cause us to review our lives and turning 70 seems to be one of them.
These thoughts were brought home to my heart this week as I learned of the unexpected death of a longtime friend who died on Feb. 25. He was 70 years old.
While filled with much sorrow and sadness for his family, I see my friend’s death as an occasion to realize that our days are numbered, not in a threatening way, but in a positive way of assurance. Our lives may be limited, but God is eternal, our days may be filled with tragedy and sorrow, but God offers his compassion and mercy.
Jeremiah the ancient prophet is the author of the Book of Lamentations. By its very title, the book is filled with sorrow and tragedy, but in the midst of this book, the author pens these remarkable words: “Through the Lord’s mercies we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. They are new every morning. Great is Your faithfulness. The Lord is my portion, says my soul, therefore I will hope in Him.” (Lamentations 3:22-24).
The death of my friend has caused me to review important documents for my family.
Further, it has reminded me that life is not forever and that I should live wisely in the days that are given to me.
It also reminds me that in spite of the trials and tribulations of life that are very real and often unexplainable, the mercy of God is constantly renewed and he is ever faithful.
The hymn-writer picks up this theme, “Strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow, blessings are mine, and ten thousand beside.”
We may not always understand the complexities of our lives and the twists and turns they take, but we can have confidence in a faithful Lord who directs our paths and shares his grace.