Longevity And The Love Of The Lord

Longevity And The Love Of The Lord

Moses said this about the tribe of Benjamin: “The people of Benjamin are loved by the LORD and live in safety beside him. He surrounds them continuously and preserves them from every harm.” Deuteronomy 33:12

Amos sat in his wheelchair, clapping his hands as the nurses brought the cake to him. They lit three candles—a zero between two ones—to commemorate Amos’s 101st birthday. As he blew out the candles, I marveled at what a feat it was for him to still be alive.

Not many Southern men live as long as Amos. We Southerners have a lot of unhealthy habits. We think white meat refers to the fat back cut of a pig, so we always ask for seconds. And for many Southerners, tobacco isn’t merely a cash crop; it is also a pack-a-day habit that’s tough to shake.

Amos’s generational longevity astounded those who knew his family. His mama had died when she was ninety-eight, and his daddy died at ninety-five. Most of Amos’s kin had spent their entire lives working the farm, doing what their fathers before them had done—tilling the soil and raising a few cows and hogs.

Many of Amos’s family members had worked well into their eighties before retiring and letting the next generation take over. Yet, despite all their hard work, along with their fatty diets and tobacco addictions, they have defied the odds, living decades beyond their life expectancies.

I watched as Amos handed out plates of cake to everyone. When it was my turn, I wished him a happy birthday.

“Do you want some ice cream with that cake, Doc?”

I thought of my diet and shook my head. Then I saw Amos’s plate—a big fat slice of cake with two heaping scoops of ice cream.

“Amos, why do you think you’ve lived so long?” I asked.

“I believe the good Lord above gave me this much time on earth so I could share his love with others. But I’m willing to go when my master calls me home.”

“Amen!” I said.

Then I asked for a scoop of ice cream.

TODAY’S RX

Every day we’re here is a good day to show the love of God to others.

Father, every day in this life is a gift. Whether I have many years ahead of me or not, let me use each day well, valuing what you value and loving as you love.