"It is vanity to desire a long life and to take no heed of a good life." ~ Thomas a Kempis, 1380-1471, Christian Writer of devotional books including the popular, "Imitation of Christ"

 

Okay. I ran out of time yesterday. That's my story and at this point and time I'm sticking to it. Good morning and welcome to another day in my neighborhood. It is Friday, August 15, 2025, and I am one day away from hitting the four score minus one status. That's right. Lord willing. Seventy nine years. Who would have ever thought I would make it to that age? I certainly didn't. My dad, Cecil Sr., only made 31 years, his dad, Will Cuffie, made it to 71, my mom Lena made 93 years and her dad made 71. For the Abbott men, at least in the more recent history, I am hanging around longer. Those who have done some research into our family history trace back our roots to a George Abbot from Yorkshire, England who came across the pond and into Andover, Massachusetts, in 1640. The Abbot/Abbott name has an ecumenical background with the title Abbott typically heading a monastery or abbey. Gilda Radner, a talented comedic actress, left life early at the age of forty-three. Here was what she said about her life, "I wanted a perfect ending. Now I've learned, the hard way, that some poems don't rhyme, and some stories don't have a clear beginning, middle and end." In my experience, her thoughts ring true when we consider life in this fallen world. However, for those who know God and more importantly are known by God as His very own, this life is but a prelude to our never ending existence in His presence. (Known by God, see Psalm 139 and Galatians 4) Perhaps in a slightly prophetic sense I happened to recently watch a black and white clip of the late Tennessee Ernie Ford singing his huge hit, 'Sixteen Tons'. Here's the chorus:

 

You load sixteen tons, what do you get?
Another day older and deeper in debt
Saint Peter don't you call me, 'cause I can't go
I owe my soul to the company store

 

The sentiment from the Sixteen Tons song, my friend, is a rather gloomy but accurate account of a life lived with little expectation of getting out of all one owes. I am thankful for my time here. I am thankful for my family. I am thankful for what little I've been able to accomplish in this life. I would be remiss not to mention the wife of my youth, what a blessing! Yet, none of these compare to that which awaits those who have truly put their faith and trust in God's Son, the One sent to rescue us, the Lord Jesus Christ. I could have lived a better life. I could have done more to serve our Lord. Yet, I remain thankful for all He has provided to me during my sojourn here. You don't know Him? Hey. Life is very unpredictable, so, I highly recommend you respond to God's offer of salvation. Today! It will change your perspective. I guarantee it! Amen.