I recently walked through an art exhibit where the focus was on the reality of life and aging. The walls were littered with photographs of...well, old people. At first I thought this was an unusual choice and questioned who would want to come and see pictures of graying, wrinkled-by-life individuals. What I later realized was that the author was offering a different perspective, another lens in which to look at one's life, not just life in general.
For thirty-somethings like myself, individuals arguably in the "prime" of their lives (although, I'm not sure my body would agree with that statement after I've given my kids several "bucking bronco" rides on my knee), it's not often that we think of the latter half of life. On the contrary, I often feel making it through each day is a cause for celebration. I'm in the now because the now is screaming in my ear. Sometimes literally. Three month olds are often known for their lung power. But I need to think with the end in mind. It's healthy. Jesus said, "The Kingdom of God is here; it's now," but in order to fully appreciate this idea I need to understand what my life is for. I need to see the end. Where am I going with all of this?
My kids are a constant reminder for me of why I'm here. Granted, I'm not one of those parents that believes that the sun revolves around my offspring, but I am a strong believer that God placed them in my life for a purpose, a powerful one at that. And that it takes an investment of everything I am, my life, to foster each of their individual purposes. The art exhibit brought this truth into clear focus for me. When I'm old and gray, when time's ticking arm has slowly worn away at the corner of my eyes, I want someone to remember me, remember what I stood for, remember that God was the most important piece of my life and that hopefully when they look back over my days they see His handiwork. Who better to remember than my children?
I think we all want to be appreciated, but my kids caused me to question: Do I want to be remembered and what do I want to be remembered for?
