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Therefore we do not lose heart. Even though our outward man is perishing, yet the inward man is being renewed day by day. For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory. 2 Corinthians 4:16-17 NKJV

I just had a birthday. When I was a child, birthdays were a pretty big deal. There was usually a party. There was cake, ice cream, and presents. I can remember counting down the days and being so excited the night before, that I could hardly sleep.

I can remember landmark birthdays, too. When I turned 15 I got my learner's permit. The next biggie was 16 - I could finally get a "real" driver's license. I also remember being very excited about turning 18 because that meant I could finally vote. I can also remember looking forward to turning 25 because that meant my car insurance rates would drop. My thirtieth birthday wasn't quite as exciting. In fact, that was the first birthday I really dreaded. For me, it was a reminder of all the things I hadn't accomplished. I was still single. I didn't have my dream job. I thought by the time I was 30, I would be married, raising children, and living out all my dreams.

I just turned 38. I'm married now - just shy of 6 months. I don't have any children - at least not yet. I don't have my dream job, although I am starting a new job in 2 weeks that I'm really excited about. There wasn't a party, or cake, or even ice cream for that matter. But I celebrated my birthday with the love of my life... my husband. And I realized that even though I'm getting older and things don't work like they used to... meaning I can't run and play for hours and hours like I used to... life is precious. It is a gift. But life in this world is not intended to be forever. It is but a moment in time.

We have no idea how long we will be here. Some are here for a brief period of time. Others live long lives. None of us really understand why things happen that way. And if we sat around and questioned it long enough, we'd drive ourselves crazy.

I think this side of heaven, there are lots of things we will never understand.

And certainly, if we long to live in this "world" for too long, we will miss out on the plans God has for us.

Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For everything in the world—the cravings of sinful man, the lust of his eyes and the boasting of what he has and does—comes not from the Father but from the world. The world and its desires pass away, but the man who does the will of God lives forever. 1 John 2:15-17 NIV

So instead of spending my time counting the days until my next birthday, I've decided to appreciate every day I've been given and to focus not so much on what's going on in the "world" and instead to focus on the will of God for my life.

I know my "todays" are important, but they will all pale in

I need to be investing my time in the things that matter to Him - like loving Him and loving others as I love myself.

"Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?" Jesus replied: " 'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.' This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.' All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments." Matthew 22:36-40 NIV

I am in awe of Him. I want to spend the rest of my days in this world focused on Him and developing a deeper relationship with Him. I have no idea when it will be time for me to go home, but in the meantime, I feel like I've got a lot to do... starting with telling others about Him.

"Refreshment in Refuge" from Gina Burgess

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