Longevity!

This past weekend marked the celebration of my grandmother’s 90th birthday. So, what do you do when you are turning 90 – you have a party! OK, it was the family’s idea. But it was a great time as over 100 people enjoyed a nice lunch buffet and the company of friends and family that we haven’t seen in…well…forever in some cases! You know it’s been a while when they ask you “Now, who’s kid are you again?” We even managed to get family pictures, including my grandmother with all 6 (and 1/2 – one more is on the way!) of her great-grandkids!

One thing stuck with me as I told someone about the party. They commented that there is longevity in the family. I had never thought about that much, but I guess it’s true. And it doesn’t come through my mother (it’s her side of the family!) from just one source, either. My grandmother’s brother-in-law – who’s 93! – was at the party…and I’m told he still cuts the grass himself. If those genes carry through, then my boys are in even better shape because Darcy’s grandmother turned 98 this year.

Obviously, life is about far more than living longer. The Bible says that our days have been numbered and it’s far more productive to use the days we have wisely rather than trying to get more. But the thought of having a long time to do God’s work can seem appealing. If God were to leave you here on earth to see 90 – or maybe even 100 – what kind of expectations do you think he would have for your later years?