Nothing like interview questions to
give a person pause and see one's own life in a new perspective. My
friend is taking a survey for an article she intends to write about
the lives of people in their eighties. She asked me to participate.
I'm the one who benefited from the introspection! So I thought it
might be shareable as a blog post. Here it is—for what it's
worth—from my vantage point of eighty-eight years.
I have had many diversified highlights
over the long years. One major one would be the ten-plus trips into
Communist China with my late husband Ted to meet and encourage the
Chinese Christians there and listen to their riveting stories of
standing true to their faith under persecution. An awesome privilege!
Also the time I spoke to 10,000 people at an all night prayer meeting
in a church in Korea after a trip to China to report how God was
answering their prayers for their brothers and sisters in China.
How important to you is having a
social life?
I'm happy and comfortable “in my own
skin” and with my “alone time.” I'm never lonely. But I also
find great delight in the company of my many friends. I try to
balance the two. I don't isolate myself, although I spend most of
every day at the computer on my writing. It's at my computer where
I'm also in constant touch with friends all over the country and the
world, many of whom I've never met but with whom I am bonded in
spirit. We know each other well and pray for one another. Well, I
confess that I probably don't spend enough time “smelling the
roses” and in leisure pursuits—but I guess there will be plenty
of time for that in heaven!
What accomplishment are you the most
proud of?
One thing would be the writing and
publishing of my own and my husband's autobiographies as a legacy for
our posterity and beyond, and continuing to write sequels of my
spiritual autobiography. Also that I've chronicled the stories of
Christians in China for publication. And other books I've published
to help people through specific adversities of life. Of course, pride
in the lives of my four sons, ten grandchildren, and seven great
grandchildren—so far.
Many of us feel younger than our
actual age…with that in mind what age do you feel you are?
Probably age 50 most of the time—except the first hour in the
morning when I drag around stiffly and feel like I'm about 125!
What in your life has changed in the
last ten years?
Noticeable diminishing of my strength
and energy although I'm determined not to let that deter me from my
lifetime call from God to serve Him. Inside and outside parts of my
mortal “earth suit” seem to be giving out! More creaks and groans
result in the increased number of medical appointments on my
calendar! And I no longer drive hundreds of miles alone across the
country for speaking engagements, take overseas treks to China's Great Wall or to Europe to trace my parental heritage. I take "virtual journeys" courtesy of Google Maps. I believe
in taking full advantage of all the new electronic technologies. I'm
so thankful for them because they have enabled me to be more prolific
in writing and publishing widely and keeping in touch with my friends
instantly.
Over the years have you developed a
slogan or a creed that has helped you through difficulty and to deal
with disappointments?
As a lung cancer surgery survivor of
twenty-three years, it has to be: “Celebrate each day of life as a
loving gift from God.” With gratitude to God, I take one day at a
time and try to live fully in the present moment.
What sage advice would you pass
along to some people in their 50s or 60s who feels that life isn't
turning out the way they had hoped?
Life is too short to indulge in pity
parties. Besides, no one wants to accept your invitation to come. Move on from your past and determine to live positively and fruitfully for
the rest of the way. Live with gusto and purpose as if today was the last day of your life.
At the same time, live as if you still had a long lifetime ahead.
Change what you still can; Accept what you can't change; pray for God
to give you wisdom to know the difference.
What brings you the most joy or what
is your favorite thing to do?
I delight to engage in the creative
process with whatever gifts God has given me. After I get an initial
inspiration or idea, it means that I must work hard and long to skillfully
craft a piece of writing whether a blog post or a book or an email,
or a poem into a masterpiece that would please God. Since what I write
is expressly for Him, I want Him to say, “It is good!”
What is the greatest life lesson
you've learned that has helped you navigate life?
Throughout my life I've recognized that under the great sovereign plan of God for my life, He has still given me free will to make choices and to live out the consequences with His help. It's not possible to live this long without some less than perfect choices. I lean into Philippians 3:12-14: To forget what is behind and press on to what lies ahead. I have tried not to look at my life's cup as half-empty, nor even as half-full, but as overflowing with the generous blessings of God. I try to keep seeking for and following the unique purpose of God for my life at whatever season of life I am in. Then to do obediently and joyfully what I perceive to be the will of God for me.
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QUESTION: Whatever your age or season of life, how would you answer these survey questions??
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