Reflections

Fifty people over the age of 95 were asked: “If you could live your life over again, what would you do differently?” There were myriads of answers but three answers constantly surfaced again and again. These three answers were:

If i had to do it over again, I would reflect more.

If I had to do it over again, I would risk more.

If I had to do it over again, I would do more things that would live on after I am dead.

These are wise lessons on life from those who are most experienced in life. They give us a perspective that can better direct our lives. In the next few articles let’s consider their wise answers.

During the Vietnam War [1959-1975], a young West Point Academy graduate named John was sent to Vietnam to lead a group of new recruits into a battle. One night, a squad of Viet Cong overtook his men. John was able to get all but one of his men to safety in a nearby trench. The one soldier who was captured had been severely wounded, and from the safety of their trench, John and squad could hear the cries of their wounded friend. Compelled by duty and loyalty, John crawled out of the trench to rescue his dying comrade. He got to him safely and was able to drag him back. But just as the wounded man was rolled into safety, John was fatally wounded by a single shot to his back.

Many months later, the wounded soldier returned to the States. So John’s parents invited him to a dinner party to see this young man whose life was spared at such a great cost to them.

This young man came to the dinner drunk! He was loud. He showed no gratitude, remorse or concern for the suffering parents. At the end of the night, after the young man had left, John’s mom collapsed in tears and cried, “To think that our precious son had to die for somebody like that.”

I know our immediate reaction to such story is to judge and condemn this young soldier. But before we pass our own judgement upon this ungrateful soldier, let us consider how much like him most of us are? Jesus died on the cross for us, yet we continue to hurt him. Jesus paid a horrible price to give us eternal life, yet we continue to sin, often intentionally. We owe Him something better but we fail to deliver what we know we should be doing. We fail to reflect upon the cost of our salvation. If we did, our lives would be radically different. Perhaps this week, we can spend some time in gratitude and thanksgiving as we reflect upon the cross, upon which God displayed his love and his righteousness for us. Christian victory is found in Jesus! Let us rest and reflect more upon Jesus! Live with passion!