Hi Paul,
Happy 100th birthday. Well, you didn’t expect that to happen did you? Right now, I could say that I might have another 30 years left on earth, but who knows what I’ll need to face in those 30 years. You’re unlikely to live much longer on this earth, but you’re gonna live forever in heaven.
Many years ago, I remember Cliff Richard being asked about dying. Because he had committed his life to Christ, he wasn’t afraid to die, but he admitted his unease about the dying process. But you could potentially face that at any age, particularly after you retire. And if billions and billions of other people went through it, why should you want to be excused?
Jesus himself would have liked to have avoided His death, which was utterly horrific, but He wanted his Father’s will to be done. And He endured the cross for the joy set before Him, which was to rise from the dead and ultimately, bring many with Him to share eternal joy in heaven.
So, celebrate your life and all that God has given to you. And even the bad things, God has used them to teach and challenge you. I advise you to take the approach of the Apostle Paul:
2 Timothy 4:6-8
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.
Phil 1:21-14
21 For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain. 22 If I am to go on living in the body, this will mean fruitful labor for me. Yet what shall I choose? I do not know! 23 I am torn between the two: I desire to depart and be with Christ, which is better by far; 24 but it is more necessary for you that I remain in the body.
So, who knows? God might still have some work for you to do on earth, particularly praying. You have a whole life to look back on, and thousands of people to remember and pray for. So, make the most of your time.
One more thing – your blog. It’s being going on for nearly 40 years, and you still write all these boring posts every day and pad them with YouTube videos and Scripture verses because your own writing is so dull. Isn’t it time that you stopped? 😀 And how come your guitar playing hasn’t improved over the last 60 years? Explain that one.
Anyway, here are a few hymns that might remind you of the great things to come and that might comfort you over the next few years:
Hibernia Gospel 