Today, my grandfather is 84 years old. Reaching that age is quite an achievement in this day and age. (I wrote a post highlighting some health habits which will help live a long life). Contrary to what many of you may be thinking, my grandfather is not at all frail or an invalid. He still works 9-5 and is in good shape for his age.
His mind is still as sharp as ever—alert, inquisitive, and focused. He’s also a good teacher and does a weekly seminar at church on Bible Prophecy. I really enjoy engaging him in conversation and when he speaks wisdom drips from his mouth like honey. What amazes me is that even at the age of 84 he still has a zeal for life. He mentioned to me the other day that he would like to buy a computer and learn how to use it. Being very interested in music he also wants to learn how to play the piano and is considering taking some lessons. Wow!
He asked me what I thought about his plans. I said to him: “Go for it Grandpa!” After that conversation I began thinking. What if grandpa is still alive today because he still has a contribution to make—he still has more to offer, more to do—unfinished business.
A lot of people my grandfathers age (older and younger) feel that they have nothing left to contribute. They are living lives of quiet desperation and fading away quickly.
In the book, The Noticer by Andy Andrews, Jones, the personification of wisdom, makes six points to Willow, a seventy-six year old lady, who had given up hope that she had anything left to contribute.
- God has a purpose for every single person.
- You won’t die until that purpose is fulfilled.
- If you are still alive, then you haven’t completed what you were put on earth to do.
- If you haven’t completed what you were put on earth to do, then your very purpose hasn’t been fulfilled.
- If your purpose hasn’t been fulfilled, then the most important part of your life is still ahead.
- You have yet to make your most important contribution.
You may be sick. You may be old and frail. You may be broke. You may be divorced. You may not have any friends at all. You may be depressed and discouraged.
But you’re still alive!
And that my friends, is proof that you have unfinished business. You have not completed what you were put on earth to do.
Happy Birthday Grandpa!
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