Greetings in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ,
This past week we were blessed to get together with some of our grandchildren. Candice called and told us that she, Rayford, Timothy, Trae and Shelby were coming to Pampa for a quick trip. That meant that Charity, Bryan, Lance, Scout and Cal (our great grandson); along with Chasity and Amayah, would be coming over from Amarillo.
You put that together with the locals and it was a bunch. But it was a really good time. I will have to say that I didn’t get in at the Water Park but was able to sit and watch everyone playing. It was a really good time for everyone that was there.
I found out that there is something going on with me. Some would say that it is old age, but for now I’ll just say that I can’t do as much as I used to do. After the park it was games at the house. I really don’t play games so I just sat and watched them. But then it came time for me to turn in.
We basically had two days to spend together. It was truly an enjoyable time. When Trae was leaving I hugged him and told him that I loved him. He said, “I know Papa. Love you and thanks for always being there for me.” I was sad to see him go but know his life is filled with things that have to be done.
After they all left I began to realize just how tired I was. As I have grown older my body has not completely cooperated with me. There are times when I find out that my 67 year old body struggles to respond and keep up. I know that is the way it will be from now on as far as this body goes. But the story doesn’t end there.
My favorite verse is Isaiah 40:31 which says, “Yet those who wait for the Lord will gain new strength; They will mount up with wings like eagles, They will run and not get tired, They will walk and not become weary.”
Yes, my body gets tired. My mind isn’t as sharp as it should be. But then I simply wait for the Lord and what was weak is made stronger. I may go to bed tired at night, but then I choose to rest in the Lord. In the morning I rise with a few aches and pains, but with a spirit that is refreshed. I may not run to the office in the morning, but my spirit will be renewed within me.
In the years to come my physical body will continue to “go south” as some would say. I expect that. But I choose to ‘wait on the Lord’ so that I will have the strength to do what I need to do and what I am called upon to do. Whatever is in store for my physical body that will pass, but I am confident that Jesus will give me strength to ‘run the race before me.’
I am quite positive that I won’t be able to keep up with my grandkids. I’ll go with them as long as I can but then I will have to sit back and rest a bit. But it is my desire to be able to teach them how to mount up with wings like the eagle and run the race that is set before them.
Yes, each of them will ‘fly’ at different heights and run in different races in life. Yet I want them to know that in the midst of all that we call life, God is there and will give them the strength and direction they need in life.
That is a promise God makes to all who have called upon Him. That is a promise that our Lord gives us and will keep forever. So wait for the Lord!
JESUS, JESUS, JESUS, there IS something about that name!!
Christ only, always,
Bro. Paul
Brother Paul Nachtigall is the preacher at Highland Baptist Church. He can be reached at bropaul@centramedia.net.
