Did becoming older bring me closer to Jesus?
Henri Nouwen in his book In the Name of Jesus, reflects upon a time when he asked himself this question. The book is not new.Perhaps you read the book some years ago. I did — and now have read the book five or six times.
That question from Nouwen will not go away.
Did becoming older bring me closer to Jesus?
- As I reflect upon my behavior,
- As I think about my attitude,
- As I consider my words,
- As I get honest about the thoughts in my heart,
- As I ponder my life before Jesus,
That question from Nowen will not go away.
Did becoming older bring me closer to Jesus?
I am blessed to know many older believers who seem to grow in their love for Jesus and their trust in him.
I have witnessed some of these people become more tenderhearted, more singularly focused, and more of a blessing to be with as they grow older. I have known people whose very presence reminded me of Jesus.
I have also known older believers who allowed their fear and anxiety to completely engulf them. Some become bitter and cynical, ready to lash out at whoever appears to be a threat. Others pull back, withdraw, and talk about having “put in their time.”
Maybe you will join with me in reflecting on this important question.
Did becoming older bring me closer to Jesus?
Once you and I have considered this question, perhaps we now need to think about what we might address in our lives in order to have a better outcome in the future.
Questions:
1. Envision the kind of person you want to be five years from now. What kind of husband/wife or father/mother do you wish to be? What kind of friend do you wish to be? How do you need to grow up or mature in order to become closer to Jesus?
2. What is one area of your life that you are willing to address so that you will be closer to Jesus?
Abraham Joshua Heschel said, “When I was younger I admired clever people; now that I’m older I admire kind people”.
I do believe that when there are more years behind you than in front of you a tenderness developes that opens up the heart to God and people moreso than before. Though I was a progressive when I was forty, I do see myself a different person now in my sixties. As strange as it may sound, the more I lost the more I became thankful for, and ONE with, those who remained. And that means seeing the next person I meet for the first time in a different light; and I pray, as the years roll on, a greater and greater light.
Thanks John. It is good to hear how you’ve navigated these waters. I’ve grateful for people like you who model something very godly and healthy during these years.