Recently, a freak accident killed the 33-year-old son of some friends of ours. It happened on an ordinary workday. He did nothing unusual. I felt not only grieved but shocked. This event made me seriously think about how I am using my time.

Being a senior citizen, it’s clear to me that the number of years I have left on this earth is less than the number of years I’ve already spent. Yet, at what age, can we confidently assume that we will not be the victim of a freak accident or the flu virus or a terrorist’s bullet?

How crucial, then, that we think about our values and our direction in life! What gives us the most joy? Lasting joy!  In what ways do we, or can we, intentionally design the minutes and hours of our day to pursue that joy?

Jesus’ apostle Paul clearly knew what would bring him ultimate and lasting joy, and he pursued it with all his heart, mind, and strength.  For him, the value of knowing Jesus Christ surpassed everything else in life. He wasn’t talking about the intellectual knowledge of Jesus–historical facts, although he considered them important; he was talking the kind of relationship with him that is secured by faith. That was what he chased after. (Philippians 3:7-10) 

As a follower of Jesus, I asked myself the following questions. Perhaps you might consider them.


What am I chasing after?

What am I chasing after?
What am I running toward?
Is it something I can capture?
Will it bring me a reward?

Is this prize worth pursuing?
Is it substance or wind?
Is it a venture God will bless?
Will I want it in the end?

What is the risk I’m taking?
Have I counted the cost?
Am I doing what I need to
So my days and years aren’t lost?

What will make me a winner?
Where must I never go?
By what things am I distracted?
To which friends must I say “No”?

Can I succeed by myself?
Or do I need support?
Am I willing to secure it?
To whom will I report?

In making my decisions,
Do I engage my mind?
Or go with whatever impulse
Delights me at the time?

When time for me is over—
This body’s laid to rest—
With what words will I be greeted?
Will my faith have passed the test?

What am I chasing after?
What does my soul crave for?
The righteousness of Jesus Christ—
This alone; nothing more!

3/16/2028

6 Responses

  1. Since I retired, I have gotten to the point where I consider this the second half of my life. I am looking to God to direct me in the use of this time that feels like a bonus. He has given me so much, I really want to give back to Him. Your poem speaks so beautifully to this idea. Some days I do better than others. In the end when He weighs me, I only hope and pray He will not find me lacking.
    Love and prayers to the family of the young man who was killed. My heart goes out to them. I cannot imagine the grief that they must be feeling. May God grant them the peace that surpasses all understanding.

    1. Debbie, I love you energetic and enthusiastic desire to please the Lord. Be assured that what the Lord has begun in you, he will bring to completion for his honor and glory. “May the God of peace make you holy in every way, and may your whole spirit and soul and body be kept blameless until our Lord Jesus Christ come again.” (1Thess. 5:23 NLT)

    1. Thanks for your comment, Diane! The questions in the poetry were ones that I am continuing to ask myself, as well as others.

  2. I am so sorry for the loss of your friend’s son. My prayers go out to them.
    Thank you, Jane for sharing your beautiful thoughts.
    I needed that poem today.

    1. Thank you for your prayers for this family, Sandy. I so appreciate your caring heart. I’m thankful, also, that the words of my poem were meaningful to you. Many blessings.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.