For by me thy days shall be multiplied, and the years of thy life shall be increased. -Prov. 9:11

I awoke this morning to best wishes from my wife for a happy 61st birthday. Where have the years gone? They have passed so quickly. Today is not a day to focus on things that were cherished in days gone by and are no more: love ones, my hair, etc. No, my friend, it is a day I am thankful for what I have. Today is a good day to reflect on the overwhelming love of God as evident in His grace.

They very fact that I made it to 61 years of age astounds me a bit. The life I lived in my younger years was one of excess: drugs, alcohol and other poor choices. The people I associated with were not people of “good character” as one might hope to have for companions. Many were the scrapes I found myself in — due to the abuse of alcohol and drugs. I think, when reflecting as a Christian who has some minimal knowledge of scripture, it is better said that it was through my sin nature that bad times abounded. Why God has chosen me to be in His family (and heir to all that is promised) is beyond me, but I count myself fortunate to have been called to be a part of the wonderful family of God in Christ.

Today I have great marriage to a wonderful wife, a fine career, decent home, lots of solid friends (brothers and sister in Christ). None of this would have happened, were it not for God delivering me from my own self-destructive sin-nature into the arms of our loving Lord Jesus Christ.

Can you say the same for you and your life? It is as simple as making a decision to invite Jesus into your life. He will never let you down. Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning. -James 1:17.