You may find it hard to believe but I am already thinking of spring even though February's chilly hand is still giving us a reason to keep a coat handy. I guess I have been thinking about spring and making plans since the first of October. Oh, I realize the necessity of the seasons and how everything has a place in God's order; winter is just my least favorite one.
Depending on when you think spring arrives it is only a couple of months away. How does that saying go? "April showers bring May flowers." There are days of "Sunny Sixties" that find their way into the weather pattern all along which help. Today is such a day. The view from my office window is just beautiful. Sunny and 65 is the forecast today, of course in a couple of days it may be Snow and low 30s. But, I won't think about that today.
Having something to look forward to keeps us looking ahead toward a pleasurable goal and prevents us from being overly concerned with the unpleasant tasks of the day. Many struggle Monday through Friday counting the minutes till the Weekend. If not for the weekends they feel they couldn't survive. But looking forward to the weekend makes the workdays bearable. Some people work hard all year with little enjoyment otherwise, counting the days till their annual vacation. I know some hunters who can think of hardly anything else except the fall hunting season, carefully planning for months in advance, looking forward to cool air, crunchy leaves, and the crack of a rifle shot through an early morning chill. When the season closes they start planning for next year. It gives them something to think and talk about all year.
Having something to look forward to adds life to your years. Notice what I said; It is one thing to add years to your life which a healthy lifestyle contributes to. But adding "Life to Your Years" is something else altogether and probably contributes as much to longevity as good nutrition and exercise. There are many who stay in good health and yet are bored with life, hate their job and are dissatisfied with their marriage. Some even think of ending their life because it seems so empty. God's best is not being served, when His children lead hopeless lives with nothing to look forward to.
God has blessed my life with fullness. First of all, I have a job that makes everyday a joy. My radio career of near 30 years has never been boring. The opportunity to couple my talents and experience in a Christ centered ministry like Victory 91.5 has been more than wonderful. We all need a career like that. To be able to look forward to going to work everyday and find at the end of the day that you are invigorated and looking forward to coming back adds more worth than just the money earned in a paycheck.
I have been blessed with two wonderful children and a wife that has been willing to put up with me for over 28 years. Family is important and adds "Life to Your Years." Your family has to come first. Sometimes your "Life's Work" conflicts with your family life. You have to decide that you won't let it. When your child plays ball, has a recital, plays in a concert or graduates from kindergarten there is only one right place for you to be. You must be there. Before you turn around they will be grown and you will wish you had been available for every part of their life. Your family will give you so much to look forward to.
My wife and I are presently looking forward to our first grandchild. I was born to be a grandpa. My son Jamey and his bride April are expecting in June. I want to be called PaPa Barry - "PaPa Bear."
Beyond career and family there are many other hobbies and activities to keep you challenged and looking ahead. I pray that you always have great things to look forward to that will add life to your years. I love to play the Saxophone, swing a golf club, and go cruising on a Harley, which brings me back to the original point; golf clubs and motorcycles aren't much fun in the winter. I am really looking forward to spring.
