Headed Home

I turned 51 yesterday. It was a good day. So many friends contacted me via mail, email, phone, text, or social media that I lost count.

One of the first to send me birthday greetings was my friend Forrest. He serves as a deacon and leader in our church. He's the one who got me out on Rushing Road and keeps me there.

Forrest's text went something like this:

F: So you're half a century +1

B: Yeah, I figure I'm about two-thirds the way home

I've been saying that I peaked the hill, reach mid-life when I was about 38. I can't imagine living more than 75 years. Even though medicine is helping to prolong life, I've abused my body to the point I'll be pleased with 75 years. That's one of the reasons I'm out on Rushing Road three days a week!

So 51 is about 2/3 of the way home.

This life is not all there is. I know people - you do, too - who live like this life IS all there is. They try to get all they can, do all they can, achieve all they can, etc. It's like they think if they don't maximize the pleasure and gain in this life that they will have missed out on something.

I have learned that something awaits us after this life is over. Whether we live 51 years, 75 years, or 90+ years, this is not all there is.

The Bible talks with certainty about life after death. Followers of Jesus Christ take comfort and assurance in knowing that we will spend eternal life in heaven with Jesus. Heaven isn't the only after-death destination. Hell exists as a place of torment where those who reject Jesus Christ will spend eternity.

My Dad used to say that hell's too hot and eternity's too long for anyone to want to go there. Maybe nobody does want to go there but the truth is that plenty will go there. And for only one reason. Not that they have sinned. Not that their sins are greater than someone else's sins. Not that they were one of the most evil people to ever live.

The only reason a person will spend eternity in hell is because they rejected Jesus Christ and his offer of salvation and forgiveness. Jesus died on the cross for every sin every person will ever commit. Jesus died on the cross and resurrected from the grave to defeat death, hell, and sin.

Lots of people are trying to be good enough to make it to heaven. Others reject the idea of heaven and hell. Some don't believe in life after death.

But I'm headed home to heaven. And I want the remaining years I have to help others see the way home, too.