I can still remember playing badminton in the neighborhood in Maryland, and though it seems like it was just yesterday, it was actually about 58 years ago. I can remember spending the afternoon in Rome and it feels like just a little while ago, but it was about 56 years ago. I couldn’t wait to grow up, but, in a flash, I grew up, got my driver’s license, and went off to college. Then there was campus ministry and next was seminary, where I met HsiaoFang. We got married, finished seminary, then Patrick was born the same year and we started ministry full time. Now my kids have grown up and are living their own lives and I am wondering, where did all the time go?! Already I’m 63 and my wife is not any younger. Now I want the train of life to slow down. I feel like this train is running downhill faster and faster and the brakes aren’t working. What’s next? A few more years in retirement, grandkids, a few trips and spending time with our kids, a few more years serving as the Lord allows, but in a flash, I’m going to see Jesus.

63 years goes by very fast and if I were not a believer in Jesus, I would be desperate to grab what life I can. But no one can stop life from flying by. So, I find myself thinking, not only do I not have that much time left, but, also, I never had all that much time to begin with. I never had much time; life flies by.

So, what my life means, what my life counts for, what my life is worth, only God can say. I only know that life is too short to waste. I do not think that means no breaks, no vacation, no fun. I do think centering my life on myself, on things rather than people or God, is wasting my life, that sin is a great waste of time. I do think doing whatever I do for God, loving my family and my neighbor, caring for and building up others – those are good investments in life. I cannot take my accomplishments, my honors, or any possession with me to greet Jesus. I can take my relationship with God with me after death. I can lead others to enter eternity with Jesus so I will see them again. I can build up others in Christ and see the benefits they have in Christ when I enter eternity. I can hear my gracious Savior say to me, His unworthy servant, “well done, good and faithful servant.” At best, all I have done is nothing more than what I should, but I know I fall short. What I am thinking is that the best way not to waste life is to know God better and better and help others know Him better and better as we live in gracious relationship together. Life flies by; don’t lose the opportunity to invest in the best future yet to come.