“What is man that You are mindful of him, and the son of man that You care for him?” Psalm 8:4
Today I sit at my sister’s kitchen window in Idaho, looking across the fields toward the brown hills and mountains beyond. As I enjoy the peacefulness of the view before me, my thoughts turn toward eternity. If this world, though touched by sin and brokenness, can still possess such beauty, what must eternity be like? What must it be like to stand in the presence of God and see His creation as He intended it to be from the beginning? The thought fills my heart with anticipation and wonder.
As I continue to gaze out the window, my mind begins to wander through the years of my life. I find myself reflecting on the faithfulness of God and the many ways His hand has guided, protected, and blessed me. Looking back, I can see His presence in places where I did not recognize it at the time. I can see His wisdom in decisions that once seemed confusing, His protection in circumstances I barely understood, and His grace in moments when I was most aware of my own weaknesses and failures.
My thoughts first turn to salvation. Who am I, O Lord, that You would reach down and rescue me? Who am I that You would forgive my sins, call me Your child, and promise me a home with You forever? There is nothing in my life that deserves such mercy, yet God freely gave it. The greatest blessing I have ever received is not found in anything I have accomplished, but in the grace that was extended to me through Jesus Christ.
I think about the family into which God placed me. He gave me parents who loved Him and taught me His ways. He blessed me with brothers and sisters who shared life’s journey with me and who remain a blessing to this day. Sitting here in my sister’s home, I am reminded once again of the gift of family and of the countless memories that have shaped my life.
My thoughts then turn to Carol. Through every season of life, she has walked faithfully beside me. She has shared my joys and carried burdens alongside me. She has been my closest friend, my trusted companion, and the love of my life. During these past two weeks of traveling together, I have been reminded once again how precious her presence is and how richly God has blessed me through her. Who am I, O Lord, that You would give me such a wife?
I think about my children and the privilege of being their father. I think about the joy of watching them grow, the lessons learned together, and the blessing of seeing the men and women they have become. I think about the husbands and wives who joined our family and who have encouraged my children in their faith and commitment to God. As a father, there is no greater comfort than seeing your children continue to walk with the Lord.
My thoughts move naturally to my grandchildren. Thirteen young lives that remind me of God’s faithfulness from one generation to the next. To watch them grow and to know that they are being taught to love and follow God is a blessing beyond anything I could have imagined when I was a young man. Their lives are evidence that God’s promises continue long after our own stories have begun.
I reflect on the work God has allowed me to do throughout my life. I think about the opportunities He has provided, the people He has placed in my path, and the purpose He has given me. Many people spend their lives searching for meaning, yet God allowed me to spend much of my life doing work that I enjoyed and work that mattered. His blessing has been evident in ways both large and small.
I also think about the friendships God has given me over the years. During this trip, Carol and I have spent time with family and friends, sharing meals, conversations, memories, and laughter. These moments have reminded me how blessed I have been by the people God has placed in my life. True friends are one of God’s greatest gifts, and I am grateful for those who have walked beside me through the years.
As I reflect on all these things, a common thread begins to emerge. Everywhere I look, I see the hand of God. I see His faithfulness in the relationships He has given me. I see His goodness in the opportunities He has provided. I see His grace in the mistakes He has forgiven. I see His love in blessings that I neither earned nor deserved. The older I become, the more clearly I recognize that every good thing in my life has come from Him.
It is then that I am reminded of David’s words in Psalm Eight. As David considered the greatness of God’s creation, he was overwhelmed by the realization that the Creator of the universe would care for him. Sitting here today, I find myself asking the same question. What is man that You are mindful of him? Who am I, O Lord, that You should think of me and care for me?
I do not know that there is an answer that fully explains God’s love. I only know that He has been far better to me than I deserve. As I look out this window toward the fields, the hills, and the mountains beyond, my heart is filled with gratitude. I have lived a life marked by God’s faithfulness. I have been blessed beyond measure by His grace. I have been loved by a God whose goodness exceeds my understanding.
For all of this, I can only offer a simple prayer.
Thank You, Lord.