Reinvesting in Life

He has made all things beautiful in His time. Ecclesiastes 3:11

What are we going to do with the rest of our lives? We’re here, still breathing, struggling to survive. We envy those who don’t have long to wait before they are called home. We may think them more fortunate when we envision a long life with a future that looks so very bleak. It forces us to seek answers to the question, “What now?” Our condition is profoundly elucidated in a quote by theologian Francis Schaeffer, “How shall we then live?” 

How indeed?

Those of us who know and love the Lord are bound by our obligation to serve His purposes in this life. But the death of a loved one throws a curve that derails our path. Often that derailment comes as such a crushing blow we stay off balance for a very long time. If it happens that our path or pursuits were less than fulfilling to begin with, our sorrow is multiplied. That is…unless.

We may instead seize the opportunity to allow God to rewrite our futures in a completely different way. We may at some point choose to discover ways of reinvesting our lives in activities that are deeply meaningful. Beyond simply, “making the best of it,” reinvestment can be a wonderfully transformative experience. As an added bonus, when helping others, we are lifted up and made to feel valued.

There are as many ways to reinvest as there are individuals. Bereaved parents have regained meaning through fostering or adopting children. Many have started non-profits in memory of their loved ones that contribute to worthy causes. Others cope with bereavement by participating in volunteer organizations in their communities and beyond. 

It takes great effort and determination to move out of our comfort zones and act with this level of faith. The temporal rewards are most gratifying and who knows what difference we may make in someone’s eternity? Can we dare to trust God in this endeavor?