Do I or don’t I?
In light of my current health issues, that is the question I have been asking more and more.
I asked it again last night (April 7) as I was going through the day’s mail. I had received a packet of information from the company called Student Magazines. The company offers fantastic bargains on magazine subscriptions to students and educators. I was being offered a special discount if I would renew my subscriptions to Time, Newsweek, US News and World Report, and Rolling Stone. In the same stack of mail I was asked to renew my subscription to National Review. Do I or don’t I?
Just a week ago one of my colleagues asked me to be the main speaker at Lincoln Christian University’s 2011 Elders’ and Leaders’ Conference. It is an honor to be asked to give an overview of what the Bible says about elders and other leaders. I would have the opportunity to speak to hundreds of godly men and women on a subject dear to my heart. Do I or don’t I?
Jakob Dylan’s new CD is out, Women and Country, and Tom Petty’s newest CD in eight years, Mojo, is coming out soon. I have all of Dylan’s albums, not only Jakob’s but also Bob’s (anyone with the name Dylan is hard for me to ignore) and many of Petty’s. Do I or don’t I?
Logos Bible Software has partnered with Zondervan, at last! Many of the finest Bible study tools will now be available to me in digital form. I could spend hundreds and hundreds of dollars to update my library. Do I or don’t I?
The summer is coming, and I want to spend some vacation time with my family.
Where do we go? What do we do? Will our schedules cooperate? Do I or don’t I?
There is so much I have planned on reading—novels, collections of short stories, commentaries—and so many DVDs to watch—The Adventures of the Lone Ranger, The Adventures of Briscoe County, Junior…Do I or don’t I?
To be told by a doctor that you are dying is different from being told you are going to die. The latter does not press upon you as much as the former. And when you hear those words spoken, “You are dying…,” well, it gives perspective to life, at least a sharper perspective. Do I really want to spend my money on this item or project? Do I really want to spend time on this book? Do I want my thinking to be influenced by what I watch? Do I have the time and the energy that is needed to prepare for a conference? What about quality time with my family and friends? What about time for myself, time in which I pray, read Scripture, and meditate?
Increasingly, I am praying not only for extended quality life and for strength, but I am also praying for wisdom and discernment.
Do I or don’t I?…I did not renew my subscriptions because the current ones are good for the next two to three years…I accepted the invitation to speak and will accept others, Lord willing because I am called to preach and teach as long as God gives me breath…I did purchase Dylan (last night) and await the release of Petty’s CD…I will not buy everything that Logos/Zondervan are making available, but I will buy much because I am a teacher and a preacher, a life-long learner…I will read the newest novels by Baldacci, Parker, Grisham, Updike, Hegi, Tyler, and Silva as well as some brand new works on studying the New Testament…I will finish up the series on The Lone Ranger, but will probably pass on Briscoe County…And I will plan on special times with my family and friends this summer…
Some of us have been told directly that we are dying while all others know that they are going to die. The bottom line is this: Both realities ought to challenge our perspectives about who we are, what we do, and above all, whose we are. More than ever I must live with the end in mind.
Indeed, may all of us and may God strengthen us.
Do I or don’t I? Of course, the bottom line is: Lord willing!
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My heart is with you and your family!! I have read the book ‘The Last Lecture’ It’s a fabulous book. I’m sure you’re read it. But I can’t help thinking about this book as you and your family travel through this path in your life. I will keep your family in my daily prayers and thoughts.