Recently I was with a group of retirees who basically did nothing but complain about life. Perhaps they forgot that this verse is in the Bible (1 Tim. 6:17):
Tell those who are rich not to be proud and not to trust in their money, which will soon be gone, but their pride and trust should be in the living God who always richly gives us all we need for our enjoyment.
I love how The Message puts this: God "piles on all sides all the riches we could ever imagine." God not only allows pleasures and gratifications in this life, but he lavishly provides them abundantly more than we deserve. Everything in creation he has given to us for our happiness. They are his gifts. He is the author and maintainer of all good things. The sin is not in enjoying them but in abstaining from them. Of course, they shouldn't replace God as the sole object of our affection, but no good purpose is served by pretending that he didn't intend for us to enjoy the pleasures of this life, even in our older years. Every good thing that comes from God's hand we're to enjoy. Every season of the year, which he changes, we're to enjoy. Every transition in life -- from younger to older, from employment to retirement, from healthy to maybe not so healthy, from life as a married man to life as a widower -- we're to enjoy.
Endings are just as important as beginnings. To have life you must have death. That's what gives existence its value -- its impermanence. Everything eventually comes to an end. This is the deepest truth about existence. Endings make room for new beginnings. So be thankful for the opportunity to experience something while it lasts. Nothing lasts forever. All good things must come to an end.
As far as I know, I will be teaching classes at the seminary for the foreseeable future. But I won't teach there forever. All good things must come to an end.
I had a great time in Dallas over the weekend, but all good things must come to an end.
I loved growing up in Hawaii, but all good things must come to an end.
My time in Basel was supremely enjoyable, but all good things must come to an end.
I loved teaching at Biola, but all good things must come to an end.
I enjoyed my ministry in China, but all good things must come to an end.
Knowing that everything changes helps us to be at peace and get ready for what comes next. Saying goodbye to old adventures makes room for new adventures.
Aging friend: It's time to let go of past attachments. Open yourself to new opportunities and blessings. Cherish the present. Accept change as a natural part of life. Life's closures aren't just endings but also starting points. Accept the temporary nature of life's experiences. Even the most enjoyable things will eventually stop. That includes me going to the gym, as I did today.
Embrace impermanence. Welcome change with an open heart and mind. For with every ending comes the opportunity for growth and new adventures.
And for crying out loud, stop complaining all the time.