PARADOX: noun a seemingly absurd or self-contradictory statement or proposition that when investigated or explained may prove to be well founded or true.

Here it is another birthday for me. At this stage of life, I feel blessed to have lived so long. On the other hand, my mind is still telling me that I’m twenty one and have the energy to accomplish great things. That is my mind. My body has another opinion altogether. I rise each day with thanksgiving for another opportuniity to share the love Jesus has shown me with those I meet. On not so good days, I wonder why I’m still inhabiting this body. On yet another hand, I am blessed to be sharing my growing old years with a man I’ve known most of my life. We can still laugh at our infirmities. We chuckle at some of our failings. We encourage each other with words of compassion, but don’t take life too seriously. In a way, I guess being a paradox just shows the many different facets of our exstence.

When I think about the life I’ve lived and the years that passed through time,

The memories flood my empty mind, overflowing thoughts sublime,

I shuffle around this mortal coil and wonder why I’m still here,

I struggle throughout the aging signs and meet yet another year.

Will days continue to capture me within this dismal planet.

Or will my breath soon be extinguished – not be taken for granted,

The light at the end of the tunnel will be waiting just for me,

Eternity will soon be calling and at last I will be free.

My days on this earth are numbered, God knows how many remain,

I’m trusting in His intervention to lead me to His domain,

Instead of viewing my sinful heart, the Lord will see only One,

The sacrifice made with precious blood of His one and only Son.

Birthdays will come and go with little fanfare these days, but we can be sure of one thing. When we die, we will live forever. That too is a paradox – one that makes no sense, but also gives complete understanding of the love of God.