In western society, we are taught to fear growing old. Millions of dollars are spent in search of eternal youth or at least looking as if you have found the fabled Fountain of Youth.

Unlike most of my peers, I really anticipated reaching 50. Now, I am anticipating reaching 60. Why? Because it is only when you are truly faced with your own mortality that you really understand the gift of life. Often times we don't fully appreciate something... until we nearly lose it. I cannot take life lightly anymore.

Each day that I live, I am thankful for the time that I live. I am thankful that cancer has been kept at bay for yet another day. I am thankful that I can see, hear, taste, feel, and even smell. I am very thankful that I can walk, talk, sing, write, drive, experience emotions and yes, even think. You see, there were moments when I could not do those things or at least I didn't know that I could. It is a strange feeling to be trapped within your own body where no one can reach you except God.

When I wake up in the mornings, I am thankful that I find myself in my own bed and not in a strange hospital room somewhere. Even when the day does not go smoothly, even when things get hard and stressful, I am glad... oh so glad, that God has given me life; not just physically but spiritually as well.

It is easy to get overwhelmed by the cares of this world. It is easy to become discouraged or even angry when faced with the trials and troubles in this world. However, we must never forget who we are in Christ and that He has given us life. We must always remember that the VERY best is yet to be!

Blessings!

K

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