My Reflection of Life’s Stages

“Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapor that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away.” — James 4:14

Have you ever paused to think about how fleeting life really is? I find myself in my fifties, and these moments of reflection have become more frequent. The truth is, life feels like a vapor-here for a moment and then gone. As I contemplate what the future holds, I’m drawn to examine how I’m living now and how I want to face the years ahead.

This past week, I immersed myself in the Bible’s wisdom about aging. I’ve learned that getting older isn’t just about the physical changes but also about growing spiritually and deepening our faith. I desire to age with grace, holding onto my faith and living with dignity.

So, let me share some of my thoughts and experiences on this journey-on marriage, children, grandchildren, forgiveness, and facing the future. These reflections are deeply personal, and I hope they offer insight and encouragement as we navigate the seasons of our lives together.

Marriage

One of the greatest blessings in my life has been my marriage to Joy. It hasn’t been perfect of course, but I’ve never regretted a moment of it. Our love grows deeper with each passing year. There’s a specialness in knowing someone so well that you can look at them and know exactly what they’re thinking. And I’ve finally learned when to give Joy space-something I wasn’t always good at. We’ve never been the type to have big fights. In fact, I can honestly say we’ve never let any disagreement fester. Joy has always been the glue holding our family together.

Children

I have loving memories of when my kids were younger. I’d try to capture snapshots of those moments in my mind-like Haley riding her bike for the first time in the church parking lot and Sydney’s excitement over catching a musky in Canada. Joy and I did our best to make their childhoods memorable, and it’s heartwarming to see that same effort reflected in their lives now, as they create memories with their own children. Even though I worked hard and had to make sacrifices, especially when transitioning into ministry, I’m grateful I could be present for them. Seeing them grow in their own faith has been one of my greatest rewards.

Grandchildren

There’s something incredibly special about grandchildren. Even though I spend less time with them than I did with my own kids, every moment is precious. I sometimes worry about the world they’re growing up in-it feels so different from the carefree days of my own childhood. But I pray that my life and faith leave a positive mark on them, that they grow up seeing Christ as their central meaning and purpose in life.

The Power of Forgiveness

I’ve made plenty of mistakes and hurt people, both intentionally and unintentionally. I used to play the victim a lot, asking, “Why is life doing this to me?” It’s easy to fall into the trap of bitterness, but forgiveness is crucial. Many people think of forgiveness as optional, but I have learned it’s not. Forgiveness mirrors God’s love for us. He wiped away all our wrongs, and we’re called to do the same. True freedom comes from forgiving others completely and unconditionally. It’s not always easy, but it’s essential for peace and for living out our Christian witness.

My Future

“Each day is a gift from God, and we must use it wisely.” — Billy Graham

Realizing that time is shorter than I thought, I find myself reflecting on my priorities. With the average male lifespan in America being 76 years, and me being two-thirds of the way there, it’s a wake-up call. I start each day asking, “What does God have in store for me today?” My relationship with God has become simpler and more profound, and I aim to avoid the distractions that don’t hold any true meaning.

Death

I have no fear of death. Of course, I hope it comes swiftly when it’s my time, but the assurance of eternity with God brings me comfort. I remember once talking with a bookstore clerk about faith and the potential for doubt. At the time, I thought he was mistaken, but now I see that doubt can be a part of the journey for some. For me, though, I have no doubts about Christ or His promises. Every day is a special gift from God, and I try to use it wisely-whether it’s spending time with loved ones or doing Kingdom work.

I cherish the small things, like the soft breeze on a hot day, a grandchild’s curious look when I am being silly with them, or fond memories from my youth.

I know aging will bring its own set of challenges, but I’m leaning on God’s strength rather than my own. My hope and prayer are to embrace each day with gratitude and grace, relying on Him through every stage of life.

Originally published at https://richbitterman.com on August 9, 2024.