During these days of personal contentment marking the closing years of my life, ideas and work, experiences and memories, disengagement and decline, I am attending amendments in my life that offer me fresh meaning of human as well as spiritual values. If I were to live my life again, what would I add or change in chosen experience?
I would work on the meaning of pray without ceasing. During these years when I do not have to do anything I don’t want to do, I realize that there was omitted from the education of faith for me the formulation of a spirit of unceasing prayer. It is an affirmative attitude that, in final analysis, is a generally silent but meaningful conditioner. It changes a person, giving the attitude of meekness which is inner strength, but reserve of that strength in a humble and encompassing attitude related to constant devotion. It is an attitude that is not diluted about what others may think or say, but it is the attitude that one finds in the lives of those we know who were saints of God – and in Jesus Christ. It is sometimes prayer without words, but so privately devotional that nearly everything one does is touched by a sense of prayerfulness. It is underlying yearning for God’s will and plan, not only for oneself and those he loves, but for all creation. It may not be recognized by others, but the attitude is there, perhaps known only to God and one’s self. It is recognized of God, and borne by the person. It is Jesus in the night, Jacob in the desert, John on Patmos. One is so taken by this way of life that the appeals of the natural world are no longer important, except to be treated with currency, prudence and moderation. It takes responsibility for influence. The orientation is more than daily devotions. It is a lifestyle, a devotional spirit.
Reliving I would give more time to: the study of Scripture for themes like the joy of the Lord; the work of the Holy Spirit; the expectations the Lord has for the Church; the breadth of faith; the concepts of Christian education and culture; the outline of God for nations and governments; and, the several other themes that not only make Christianity meaningful to the student of them, but make the gospel more forceful for society as well as seekers after God. There is considerable detail implied here that cannot be adequately addressed in limited space, but would reveal itself in theme studies. For example, I would discover details about the law of moderation from Scripture that would likely be enough for the majority of persons to find health and strength to live out their lives with limited illness, pain and accident to the last day of lengthened earthly sojourn. I have not the slightest doubt that moderation has carried me into my tenth decade even with recovery from two death-dealing cancers, and various other large and small human, physical aggravations.
Reliving I would give even more time to my family. That would help me to contribute more insightfully to the idioms of God to society. One senses that meaning in the work of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit – bonding. If society continues to diminish the family, as defined by God, there will be costs greater than society can bear. This needs to be addressed effectively. For example, if family members were wiser to care for their own – medical and living costs would be much lighter; distortions of conduct and identity would be assuaged; and, social factors would improve. Even worthy personal interests well sought and achieved will not ultimately satisfy human needs sufficiently well. Heaven is populated by servants of prayer interests, persons serving others starting with the family, seekers of right (righteous) conduct, and witnesses of Christ. There are accompaniments, but this guides us. I did get it – partly. *Mark W. Lee, Sr. — 2016, 2020