Six years ago this month, I suddenly passed out while attending a men’s breakfast at church and was taken to the hospital. This began a series of medical problems that eventually led to my retirement and a reordering of my life. This article was written that first night in St. Anthony’s general ward.
It’s late at night, and I’m back in my room after blood work, tests, X-rays, cold hospital food, worried family visits, and goodnight texts to my wife, Lise, and the kids. I’ll be okay, it seems, but this whirlwind day brought one important thought to mind:
This world belongs to the young…for a time.
From the intake person to my night nurse, I was always the oldest person in the room. Every doctor, technician, administrator, and even the food delivery person was younger than I was!
This reminded me that we all have “our time,” but it passes quickly.
It seems like yesterday I was visiting the sick, promoting new ministry ideas, and helping move the church forward. Those seasons of building and expanding were exciting.
But here on the sixth floor, Ward B, I realize that my time in that role has passed. Now younger men implement their ideas and pursue their vision for the church.
The point isn't nostalgia, but what Scripture teaches about using our time:
“Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might” (Ecclesiastes 9:10).
We all get a moment in the sun, but it passes quickly and rarely returns.
Jesus teaches us to live one day at a time, promising to provide what we need when our spiritual priorities are right. This assurance frees believers from spending all their energy worrying about survival. Instead, we can invest ourselves in creating, building, improving, and producing things that glorify God, bless others, and enrich our lives.
You're only young once, and that season passes before you know it.
Wisdom teaches us not to waste those years on self-destructive behavior, self-doubt, or disbelief. When God gives you your moment in the sun, use it with everything you've got.
Because when you become the oldest person in the room, it's far better to have stories to tell than reasons to regret.
