It’s only been a century since candles were the main source of light after sundown.
Yes, Abe Lincoln apparently read by the family fireplace, but candle power was the main source for reading before an early bedtime.
Some candles burn quite swiftly. Some candles burn slowly.
As I understand this phenomenon, it depends upon the paraffin used and the wick placed in the candle.
These days, there are many environmentally friendly candles on the market. Soy wax and bees wax do not emit the toxicity of the candles of the past.
But this discussion will not dwell on candles. What we will delve into is the length of human lives. Some lives are lived swiftly, while some lives are lived slowly.
As I look back upon my life, the first 40 years went by slowly. The second 40 have gone by quite quickly.
I attribute the swiftness of this second 40 to my close walk with God Almighty.
There was a certain doldrum in the first 40 followed by a pure passion since my decision to follow Christ in 1984.
The flame has grown brighter and brighter, yet it seems to remain steady and constant.
God is in control of our lives whether we like it or not. Some lives are snuffed out early, while others seem to go on and on.
Some of those short lives, like the life of Jim Elliott and his four young missionary friends, end abruptly. In 1956, his life was cut quite short.
He was only 28, but his death was used by God mightily to bring the Gospel message to many tribes in South America and beyond.
I’m reminded of a young man named Stephen who was the first follower of Christ martyred in Jerusalem.
Yes, Saul of Tarsus was present and held the cloaks of those who stoned him to death. You may want to read the full account found in Acts 6:8 through Acts 7:59.
Stephen’s flame burned brightly for his Risen Savior, and undoubtedly it left an indelible impression on the future Apostle Paul.
Many have lived long, productive lives for their Lord. The Apostle John, the one Jesus loved, certainly comes to mind.
In his late 80s or early 90s, he wrote his final letters to the early church (1 John, 2 John and 3 John).
And we must mention his apocalyptic work, the Book of Revelation. That final book of Scripture aptly ends, “He who testifies to these things says, ‘Yes I am coming soon.’ Amen. Come Lord Jesus.”
Wherever you are on your life journey, please consider that Almighty God does exist and He cares about your every move. Whatever time you have left on this planet is a special gift and each day should be lived in a fashion that is pleasing to our Creator.
We are all wonderfully made for His purpose, His pleasure and His glory!
Live your life going forward accordingly. He may well have an exciting future that will allow your light to burn brightly and have a lasting impact on others He will surely place on your path.
Life is precious and it should be cherished.