My purpose is summed up in Micah 6:8. “He has shown you oh man what is good, and what does the Lord require of you? To do justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.” I remember several years ago that I had opened up a box of Scripture memory cards and had gone to work to memorize the whole stack. Somewhere in that stack was Micah 6:8. As I worked on memorizing it I felt a fire within me. While is sounds super spiritual to say it but it is none the less true that I felt the words deep into my bones. From that day to this I have meditated on Micah 6:8 consistently. Each day I arise and wonder how I can live out this verse more fully.
My entire identity is wrapped up into living what God says is good. The truth is the journey can be difficult and there are days that I want to curl up with ice cream, pie and waste my days watching meaningless television. But that is simply not who I am. There are many verses that have and continue to shape my identity but none as much as Micah 6:8.
May 17, 2047: I am walking into an event center with my wife Cara on my left side. In the current version of the story she is wearing this amazing green dress that simply takes my breath away when she puts it on. As for myself, I am wearing my military dress blues. It is approaching 11:30 am and our friends are awaiting our entrance. The doors open on our approach and a large and almost overwhelming cacophony of cheering erupts. At this point both Cara and I are crying tears of joy. As we meander through the crowd we greet old friends. Some are poor, some wealthy and it seems every race and culture that we have experienced in our 50 years of marriage is there in the room. Some report that they came to know Jesus because of our example. Other share stories some of which I have forgotten but suddenly remember on the telling. There are great bouts of laughter and tears.
Over time we make it to the head table and with our glasses full of fruit juice I propose a toast to Cara for staying married to me for fifty years. NOTE: Currently the script for my extended toast is not written. We have lived such a dramatic and exciting life up to this point I can only imagine what life would be like to form a speech between now and then. Music is playing as we get food from the buffet line. After eating we make our way around visiting with my kids who have funded this whole event. We look upon our grandchildren who are mostly grown up and we smile at them.
Space is made and the dancing begins. My first dance is with Cara but I take the time to dance with my daughter, daughters-in-law and all of my granddaughters. Even though at this point I am 75 years old I have no trouble dancing and enjoying the evening. When the event draws to a close I leave with Cara and return to our home that is paid off and in good repair.
When I live the vision I can smell and taste the food. My heart races as I see my bride in that green dress. Pride swells in me as I see my diversity of friends and the spiritual impact I have been a part of in their lives.
This is the life I am living and forging. Create a vision for your life.
