“Now all has been heard; here is the conclusion of the matter: Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the duty of all mankind” (Ecclesiastes 12:13 NIV).
As a teenager, I fell in love with Robert Browning’s words:
“Grow old along with me!
The best is yet to be,
The last of life, for which the first was made:
Our times are in His hand
Who saith ‘A whole I planned,
Youth shows but half; trust God: see all, nor be afraid!’”
Expected Life Stages
My love for those words increases with each new stage of life. Although Browning sounds far more optimistic than the author of Ecclesiastes (probably Solomon), they reach a similar conclusion: Remain focused on God, what God can do through our lives, and the meaning God offers from beginning to end.
For years, I was a social worker and couldn’t imagine doing anything else. The work was stressful and the hours horrible, but I loved it. I also believed God called me to it, and I had no intention of leaving … ever.
Unexpected Life Changes
Yet, after almost 30 years, God told me, clearly, unmistakably, that it was time for something else. I had no idea what that was but believed God’s promise that everything would be okay.
Initially I thought I would spend more time on mission trips, a long-held passion. Suddenly that door closed as well. However, as each door closed, another opened – not as fast as I might have chosen, but in God’s time and in God’s way.
At the urging of a fellow church member, my husband and I began serving as a friendship family to international university students. Some stayed in our home. Others visited for meals or special events. A few became English as a Second Language conversation partners. In addition, we provided cooking lessons (don’t tell me God doesn’t have a sense of humor), medical or other transportation, interpretation of cultural oddities and American slang, as well as Bible study and devotions.
I also rekindled an earlier interest in writing. Not long after, my husband suffered the first in a series of health crises. God has amazed us in the way our family’s experiences and challenges have ministered to others through my written words.
Later, a friend introduced a new opportunity. As part of an all-volunteer staff, I write radio drama that’s translated into several languages and broadcast into countries often closed to or with tight restrictions on the gospel message. These Bible stories go where missionaries, career or volunteer, and an open gospel witness are prohibited. I now reach more people through this ministry than I could have in years of short-term mission trips.
Faith for the Future
Once again, I can’t imagine doing anything else. I love to write. I love the young people who have become a part of our extended family. Yet, I have no idea what the future holds. No one does, but why worry? I remain confident that the one who knows past, present, and future maintains control.
Therefore, as Solomon said, I’ve reached “the conclusion of the matter.” Along with Browning, I will “trust God: see all, nor be afraid!”
