We all have milestones that we experience throughout our lives that vary in importance; each placing an important marker in our past that affected us in one way or another.  Such milestones include everything from riding your first two wheeled bike to marriage.  They included academic achievements, athletic recognition, family reunions, and even funerals. Most if not all of these events are easily recognizable as milestones and they are set in the hearts and minds of those who experienced both toil and joy.  I thought that I had them all pretty much categorized until I experienced an event that marked a new and uncharted milestone in my life.  The event was attending a concert with a band I hadn't seen in over 35 years. 

            Even though I was aware of the fact that I hadn’t seen this band in years, I somehow convinced myself that I would see the image of the same people at the same age.  This I learned was not the case.  They looked older, moved slower, sounded different and the crowd responded more like a group in their 50's rather than their 20s (because they were).  The excitement of the event was more of a nostalgic reaction than anything else; satisfied with both the experience and the memory. Yet I couldn't help walking away with a bit of sadness in my heart because the event just reminded me of the passing of time.  Sad I think because not only are these musical giants of my day getting older and soon will play no more, but I inevitably figure out the obvious fact that I am aging along with them.  I didn't go to this concert expecting to feel that way, but for whatever reason that is what I left with. As we get older, the milestones of our life can at times remind us more of how long we've been around rather than remembering the celebration of a first time experience. Things just aren't the same with the passage of time.
            Hebrews 13:8 tells us that “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever”.  How ironic it is that we at times focus on things that are changing, aging, and dwindling into the shadows of history, when the Christ that suffered for us, died for us, and saved us, is waiting for us in form and in spirit no different than when he was taken up from the earth to sit at the right hand of our Father in heaven.  While we await His return, Jesus gives us what no other event or person can give us - the promise that He will make all things new!  (Rev 21:5).  Not a musical band, or a high school reunion, but a new heaven and a new earth; a world of indescribable beauty, living within the fellowship of the Saints, and in the presence and service of God our Father. 

            Life as we know it can along with periods of joy and happiness, have its sad or depressing moments as well;  moments that cause us to lower our head and see only the ground beneath us instead of looking up at the hope that awaits us. We all have milestones that we cherish in our lives - things, events, and people.  When each of these age and get lost in our memories with the passing of time, we should think less of things and times that are lost, and be encouraged and reminded of the things that await us; unchanged, uncharted, but fully expected. We can achieve that through faith in our Lord's promises, and through the fellowship of the Saints. Until that day comes, let us all be "mutually encouraged by each other's faith, both yours and mine.” (Romans 1:12)