The end of another year brings tender thoughts. It's been another year of God's faithfulness. Then too, there is the sobering thought that time is running out for some of us. Here I am at the age of 10.
I'm the shirtless kid. These were my best buds growing up, including my older brother (the tall guy) and my cousin Pila (Bill) second from left who died that year while surfing at Waikiki. At the outset of life, God puts only so much coinage into our hands. Just as we have to spend our money all the more wisely when we have less of it, so we need to wisely invest what remains of our days. Little wonder the Psalmist asked the Lord not to forsake him when he grew old and gray-haired (Psalm 71:18).
There is a new year to be greeted with faith and hope. A new chapter of the tale begins on Jan. 1. It is but the prelude to an endless eternity with the Lover of our souls.