Recently, I turned 70 years old. Here are some of the thoughts that struck me as I passed this milestone age.

My conflicting emotions are captured by the first choice I had to make. Should I put this blog in the category “Overcoming Darkness”? Or in the category “Spreading Light”?

Should I focus on overcoming the darkness of old age and death? Or focus on spreading the light?

In the words of Psalm 90 (A Prayer of Moses the man of God), should I focus on the darkness that comes from my troubles and sorrows as the years quickly pass and I fly away? Should I focus on how I am finishing my years with a moan? (Psalm 90:9-10).

Or, should I focus on the light that spreads as I am gaining a heart of wisdom? The light that spreads from the LORD’s compassion that satisfies me each morning with his unfailing love, filling me with songs of joy as I am glad all my days.

The light that spreads from the wisdom of realizing that the deeds of the LORD will be shown to his servants and the splendor of the LORD to their children, establishing the work of my hands.

I choose to spread the light of the LORD. Because it is better to light a candle than to curse the darkness.

And how do I follow the Way of Jesus to light candles?

This is the theme of my book Lighting the World:

You are the light of the world.

[L]et your light shine before people,

that they may see your good deeds

and praise your Father in heaven.

“Not by might nor by power,

but by my spirit,” says the

LORD Almighty.

—Matthew 5:14, 16;  Zechariah 4:6

Sounds like a good way to establish the work of my hands, not by the might and power of youth, but by the wisdom that comes from the unfailing love of the LORD’s Spirit, as I sing for joy and am glad all the days of my life!

THINGS TO THINK ABOUT

As you age (whether you’re turning 18, 30, 70, or 90), do you focus on your sorrows and troubles? Why? Why not?

As you age (whether you’re turning 18, 30, 70, or 90), do you focus on using wisdom from the Spirit of the LORD to establish the work of your hands by spreading light? Why? Why not?

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For related ideas, please read my blog “Meditations: Forgetting What Lies Behind”.