Fighting, racing and keeping the faith...

39 years. My mom said that is a long time to be alive. I agree.

I'm learning in my old age to appreciate each birthday, rather than avoid the reality that I'm older. I think I am finally understanding that it is a blessing to grow older. I find myself talking about my future grandchildren a lot. I'm not ready to be a Grandma right now, but each day, I am closer to it.

I have some grey hair. I have more pounds than I did before having children. I don't have as much energy. I have aches and pains. I might need reading glasses soon.

But I also have many blessings. I have an amazing family who loves me. I have friends who would do anything for me. I'm figuring out what is truly important in my life. And to embrace it.

While I love my new iPhone 4S, a LOT, I can live without it. What's important to me are the people who share my life. That is how I know I am blessed. The Lord has brought such dear people into my life...all 39 years of it. He must love me. This I know.

There are also a group of mostly ladies of whom I have met "in real life" and others who I have only conversed with online through the Sonlight Forums. I've been friends with many of them for upwards of 9 years. One of them, who called herself "Progressing Pilgrim"--a very true name for her--has earned her "Well, done, gracious servant" from Jesus today. Sandy spent her short life loving the Lord and because she couldn't help it--loving people around the world. She was a true progressing pilgrim.

So it is with bittersweet feelings that I think about my birthday inline with Sandy's death day. I can only hope that when my turn comes, I know I've lived my life without any regrets. That I will have lived like Paul writes in 2 Tim. 4: " ⁶ For I am already being poured out like a drink offering, and the time for my departure is near. ⁷ I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. ⁸ Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing." 

I hope I fight the good fight, finish the race and keep the faith. Sandy has her crown of righteousness. I am looking forward to seeing hers as I get mine one day as well.

The Lord has been teaching me much in the last few weeks about humility and submission. Sandy was a wonderful example of those qualities. Her life was short, but absolutely filled with the love of the Lord. I will miss her. And I am a better woman for having known her and been blessed with her own humility and submission. She fought the good fight, finished her race and kept her faith.

I don't know how many days I have left. But the Lord does. And I want each and every day I have left to bring glory to His name. Just like Sandy.