The Joys of whizzing Downhill
I was off to the city to have lunch with a friend. But ... oh dear! A few last minute delays meant I had to dash - my bus was due in 5 minutes. Half running, half walking, I rushed onward as fast as my little legs would carry me. As I reached the end of the path, I turned right to reach the main road towards the bus stop. How glad I was then, that the footpath which led to it went downhill all the way. A bonus! "Thank you God for this downhill trek" I panted. So yes, I did catch that bus after all. Thank you God!
People say that after a certain age it's all downhill! But you know, there are plenty of advantages of going downhill ... as I discovered that day! It's true, mountain tops often boast enchanting views. But then ... so do the valleys. I should know, since I do a lot of my living down there. Mountain tops may be exhilarating for deep communion with God, as you feast your eyes on the breathtaking beauty for miles around. But so are the valleys, as you look up at the peaks, soft prayers rising like sweet incense, into God's loving heart. "I lift up my eyes to the hills. From where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth." Psalm 121:1-2
A week ago, I turned 65. Now that's a nice round number, don't you think? It feels good to have reached this age. And may I whisper a secret? Deep breath! I think youth is over-rated. I mean, what's better than LIFE? And if that's so, what can be better than living another year; learning, growing, stretching, being, doing, working, helping, blessing, spending ones mite to make the world a better place? Of course, at my age, it's a given that one bright spark may remind me 'It's all downhill from here'! But you know ... it's okay. Perfectly OK. Perhaps it could even be the best news!
Downhill means we will reach our destination faster. Downhill means we enjoy the cool wind on our faces. Downhill means jogging is easier. Downhill means we get time to bask in the valley. Downhill means we can look up into the face of God, where He lives on the mountain top of Eternity. Downhill means we can hold hands with family and friends as we run down together. Downhill means there's treasure waiting at the bottom for us, the pot of gold at the foot of the rainbow.
Most of life does not happen on the mountain tops. Most of our lives happen in the humdrum moments and quiet days. So let's not hanker for the mountain tops ... just yet. One day our spirits will climb the heights and we will reach the blessedness of being in God's presence and we'll rejoice as we've never rejoiced before. Until that day, let's find joy in the valleys as much as on the mountain tops.
One of the gifts my years have brought me is the knowledge that life becomes richer and fuller through a changed perspective. As we get older we discover that there is little need to strive for success or wealth or power or prestige. Growing older makes us aware that true treasures are different to what the world peddles in front of our faces - those glittering jewels that promise to deliver much, but rarely do. Things that really matter are gifted to us as we learn to age gracefully. Good Relationships? Now those are riches money cannot buy. Character growth? That's something no young person can boast of as much, simply because older folk have had lots more years in which to grow in.
Knowledge of God's faithfulness? A long challenging life throws one on God, to seek His love and His grace, His presence and comfort, His faithfulness and goodness as never before. It appears then that a tough life is really the good life! Oh yes, in the big scheme of things it just might be! So ... bring it on! Bring it on!
And then ... what about Contentment? It's hard to be content in one's youth because there's an endless striving, a constant hankering for more.
The blessing of growing older is that I discover that I do have all I need. And more. Even more!
So dear friend, if you've felt lately that your life might be going downhill, if the unease in your heart seems to be deepening and your eyes are widening in fear ... do pause for a moment and reflect.
Because, here's a reminder: You just may have the winning ticket, after all!
It's in the valley that you will find green pastures and still waters.
It's in the valley that you will find the Shepherd waiting for you.
It's in the valley that He will restore your soul.
And it's in the valley that He will give you all that you ever need.
Let's race each other downhill, dear friend. Are you ready?
