Skid in Broadside

“Life is not a journey to the grave, with the intention of arriving safely, in one pretty and well-preserved piece, but to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, worn out and defiantly shouting ‘Geronimo!!!’” (Author unknown)

I love this quote and the imagery that it conjures. When I read it, I think about how people will sometimes pass an open coffin at a funeral and say, “Ohhh, she looks so good” – almost as if the aim in life is to be physically well preserved right up until the end. But the true aim in life is to be poured out and used up for a purpose, bigger then yourself.

The other day I was reading 2 Corinthians chapter 4, and I came upon a passage that illustrates what I’m saying:

For God, who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” made his light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ. But we have this treasure in jars of clay…

When the Bible speaks of “jars of clay” it is speaking about our natural bodies. God makes his light shine in our hearts, but then he goes on to say, that this light is contained in fragile, temporal bodies. I once read that, “our bodies are in a state of decay from about the age of twenty, on.” And I don’t know about you, but I have certainly found that to be true (at least it’s seeming more true – the older I get). But we must remember, our purpose in life is not to somehow halt the aging process, but to fulfill our God-given destiny and calling, being His – heart, soul and body.

And, as it is with everything, we have to find a balance in this. I know personally, I could get out of balance when it comes to healthfulness because I am interested in all aspects of nutrition. So I need to be careful not to put my faith in “proper nutrition” instead of putting my faith in the living God. In all areas of our lives we must stay in balance.

The quote above fills me with faith for my future! The thought of skidding into heaven broadside, thoroughly used up for the kingdom of God inspires me. And while I always want to sow good seeds of healthy eating and exercise, I don’t want my “passion” to become staying fit, looking youthful and living a very long life. I want to be poured out for God’s use and purpose for my life. I know me – I could easily spend my life in the pursuit of being comfortable, safe and healthy. And it will take a determined effort on my part to “press” through my carnal nature, and allow God to use me fully.

In a recent Sunday morning service, my Pastor, Eric Stovesand, told of a survey in which ninety-year old men and women were interviewed and asked what they would do differently with their lives, if given the chance. The ninety-year olds said, first, they would have spent more time with their families. Secondly, they would have risked more. And lastly, they would have invested themselves more, in the things that had spiritual meaning and significance.

We can learn a lot from the regrets of the generations that go before us. Let’s get out of our comfort zone! Let’s be determined to live fully! When our hour comes to leave this life – let’s arrive in heaven out of breath – having completed our destiny – having lived out our passion – having served God with the life he gave us!