These Are My JOTtings, Part #2

The Life I Live

For more than 60 years, I've lived on Planet Earth working, loving, eating, and sleeping. Having been born at a very early age much of my first five years is not easy to recollect. However, those years, that begin with first grade have been filled with hills and valleys of emotional, mental, physical, and spiritual progress. Most notable are high school and university graduations with various honors, marriage to my college girlfriend, and the birth of our only child about 20 years ago.

Every life needs a good foundation, which is a rock upon which to stand. This is a big part of my life's story. God opened my mind, even as a small child, to realize, that life with Jesus of Nazareth would answer life's greatest question, "How shall I live throughout the entirety of my existence?" Obviously, these are not the words I used back then, but I knew enough to know, "I need protection now, and I want to be protected forever when I leave this life." In simplicity as a child, growing into more complex thoughts as an adult, my one continuous desire has been to know Jesus as my personal Saviour.

Friendship is one of the greatest gifts a life can know. Meeting the young lady in college, who has become my wife of nearly 37 years is this blessing of friendship in my own life. Steering the ship of life with my longtime friend has been a source of joy for me. The gales have threatened to capsize us. Yet, with God's Help, still we sail. Calm seas and gentle pools in the rivers have given restoration to hearts in need of rest. Friendship with this dear sister, who also knows the saving Lord brings peace to my heart since our friendship can last beyond this life.

The future of every life deals with both the temporal and the eternal. We've been blessed with an amazing daughter, who has been given to us as a hope for both of these needs. What a pleasure it has been to watch her grow from a small child to a talented adult lady! If my life follows the normal path, I will be able to leave the world in her hands to be well cared for. Since she has expressed my same desire to know the saving Lord, then I may rest confident, that our friendship, too, can last beyond this life.

My life knows few of the successes touted by Society at large. Gold has been minimal in my purse, but why should I focus on gaining Heaven's paving material? (Revelation 21:21, KJV) I've known some acclaim, locally as a singer and actor on our community stage, but now I work as a janitor. Fame is fleeting. (Proverbs 22:1, KJV) Years ago I wrote for a newspaper in a state capital, but now I am challenged to publish a book. What is my life's value? I have a saving Lord, Who died, was buried, and rose again to secure my place with Him forever. I have a wife and daughter, who know the same saving Lord, that we may serve Him together forever. I'm convinced, that my life is a Success.

by Jay O’Toole
on June 28th, 2023