Late in Life
These
late years (2016 thru 2020) have been hard times for me—not the best of times—experiencing the
happenings in our nation and then the covid thing worldwide. Going through
these days in my aloneness hasn’t helped much either in relieving the tension,
as well as cloudy rainy days. (I’m looking forward to my move back into Pine
View apartments on the campus of Columbia International University.)
Through these years it seems like we’ve all been trekking along the bumpy rough 2016 highway; for four years plus the nation has been experiencing that impeachment sham, and then the covid pandemic worldwide, then the stolen election, and all that has been built up by the previous administration for the "Making America Great Again", is now being torn down by the illegitimate executive administration to attempt to make us something different other than as we were founded on biblical principles. No wonder I sense, as difficult as that may be humanly thinking, that the end of this mortal time is nearer than ever before. I don’t think others see it as I. And even it’s interesting to me how I see things these days—from an eternal perspective. As I drive about, noticing all the structures and such—buildings, highways, etc.—it all comes across to me as MANufractured artifices, nothing that will last. (Consider 2 Peter 3:6-8.) And trash is thrown everywhere seemingly moreso than ever before.
And I can’t help it, the realization of the end times. Two worlds (roads, realities) crossed my path, and praise God, I chose the one less traveled by, and that made all the difference. To live life simply for the frivolousness of this temporal time—career seeking, fortune building, etc.—is meaningless. (Consider Ecclesiastes 1:1-11.) I’m sure glad there is more to life than this mortal temporal time. Come, Lord Jesus.
Early in Life
Some
years before I’d experienced the “highway 2016” roughness, I ventured out West
to begin my “employment” (in ministry) with the then U.S.
for World Mission. On very little support I went—just $50 a
month—nevertheless I guess I was sent anyway with the church’s blessing. I went
out by bus and came back by bus 15 years later.
Back
in Columbia, I was employed until mid-2008 and then unemployed. And then what
was termed “retirement,” even though I haven’t been ready
(financially) to do such a thing. (Other employment still is necessary, at least
part-time.)
Possibly another misstep
Nevertheless, considering retirement, what is the average amount of savings one should have to do such a thing? I guess that depends on the individual how much he/she wants when they’re ready to relax and give up their laboring days. But I’m sure, certainly more than $5000, eh? To my shame, I guess, but I have less than $5000 in savings. Not good I think. How can that be enough for me to enjoy those so-called “golden years”?
Ah, for me, I had been unfaithful, I think, in handling God’s finances
(His treasure) with which He entrusted me. (Consider Mark 12:41-44. The Life Application Study Bible notes, [brackets mine] "... As believers, we should consider increasing our giving--whether money [treasure], time, or talents--to a point beyond convenience or calculation.")
The lessons learned
That
being said, in handling it all now, finances are tight, but I am somewhat
managing better (and I do give). But I’m not doing so well particularly in
grocery shopping--not a favorite activity of mine--not having enough for groceries to last sufficiently through
a month. Not interested in cooking just for myself, I just do the simplest
thing and primarily microwaveable. (Perhaps my “mealtimes” can be termed simply
as “nibbling,” just a bit here and a bit there.)
My being
transient most of my life, I never had a home of my own—always renting
somewhere. I never had an abundance of anything of much value—possessions or
wealth—growing up and even now. (And some of what I do have or did, have been
given to me.) As I put it: I have very little of nothing and not much of
everything. In visiting others' homes I’m awed (but not envious) of the
stuff/furnishings they have. Wow! But in not having lots of stuff, my moving
out, and moving into another place makes it that much easier. And thus,
having little is possibly a blessing, as it keeps me conscious that God is
my provider—as “He so feeds the birds,” Matthew 6:26. As God says, “Do not worry
[nor be anxious],” Matthew 6:25-34, even
with my little. Yet, how easy it is for one, with an abundance of wealth and
possessions not to worry than for one with not so much wealth or possessions.
And
yet, as mentioned, I’ll soon be moving again back into Pine View Apartments, being
once again on the C.I.U. campus and desirably to remain until my upper
taking. Pine View is better for me I believe. And then perhaps once settled in maybe God will/still/could have some other even
part-time employment for me; I trust God for that to be if He so wills.
Summing up
From Ohio, God brought me out of my old life (a wilderness without Jesus), and roundabout my transient life, God brought me to Columbia, South Carolina, particularly to Bible college where my life has been transformed. Perhaps I can consider my coming to Bible college my mortal “Promised Land,” anticipating my upper taking “in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye,” (1 Corinthians 15:51-53). What will that be like?
Come, Lord Jesus. Until then, as mentioned, I can’t see how I can live my life now simply for the frivolousness of this temporal time; I’m mortally here (as all of God’s children) as a salt-spreader and light bearer of God’s eternal truth, through whatever employment God may yet have for me. (Consider Matthew 5:12-14.)
