Choices

I often hear people talking about years flying by. Such conversations generally resonate from senior citizens. Reluctantly I fit into that over 55 category.

When I think of grandparents, parents, and friends now departed, “Next!” pops into my head. Dragging my feet isn’t keeping me from inching closer. The world’s largest bulldozer will do absolutely nothing in stopping forward progress.

“Next!” is okay in a fast-food restaurant, bank, or DMV line. Where death’s concerned the command takes on higher meaning.

I’ve been told by family and friends,

“Age is merely a number.”

That cliché sounds sweet and non-concerning but unfortunately it’s far from reality. Each passing year signifies one less year to live.

Such a thought is probably depressing to some people. I suppose it would be if I didn’t know for sure where I was headed. Hopefully everyone’s picked the place where they’d like to reside in their eternal years. From what I’ve found there are only two choices. If there’s a third I didn’t find mention of it.

I vaguely recall when gospel and country western singer “Gentleman” Jim Reeves passed away in a plane crash. I do remember my mother being extremely upset. She loved his singing.

Researching the date it was July 31, 1964. I would’ve been 10 at the time. Jim Reeves was only 40 when he died. Because of constantly scheduled concerts and appearances the man lived a hectic and stressful life.

Jim Reeves was on the road up until his demise. Like many in the entertainment industry, he had demons and temptations constantly leading him astray. It’s said during the bleakest days of his life he prayerfully turned to Jesus Christ for help.

One song that Jim Reeves recorded lingers in my brain:

“This World Is Not My Home”

There’s something about the beginning lyrics that immediately grabbed my attention.

“This world’s not my home; I’m just passing through.

My treasures are laid up, somewhere beyond the blue.”

I was interested in knowing if Jim Reeves was the man who wrote that tune. Turns out he wasn’t. The music was composed by Albert Edward Brumley. Mr. Brumley composed over 800 gospel songs in his lifetime. Albert Brumley also penned the well-known gospel tune, I’ll Fly Away.

Jim Reeves sang I’ll Fly Away many times during his career. Lyrics towards the end of the song seem ironic to his destiny.

“Just a few more weary days and then I’ll fly away.

To a land where joy shall never end, I’ll fly away.”

Jim Reeves was in control of his small airplane when it crashed into the ground. I tend to believe his final resting place is not six foot under in a wood coffin.

If Reeves was sincere in his acceptance of Jesus Christ as Savior, there’s no doubt he’s in Heaven. The Bible shows how to get there via John 3:16.

“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whosoever believes in him shall not perish but have everlasting life.”

I know without doubt I’ll find unlimited joy in my Heavenly home. A place without death, sorrow, or pain sounds like the ultimate destination.

My decision in taking the high road was a no brainer. What other choice is there?