Preparing Myself
The first time someone called me “mister,” it felt a little strange. Until then, people had only ever called out, “Young man!” or “Excuse me!” And now, suddenly, I was “mister.”
As I grew older and began visiting the hospital for various health issues, I found myself thinking, “I really am getting old.” Then one day, a nurse addressed me as “Father”—a respectful Korean form of address for an older man. Being called that for the first time felt strange. I had clearly grown older, so why was it so difficult for me to accept being addressed that way?
People around me have begun suggesting that I dye my hair. As I write this, I am wearing reading glasses for the first time. Lately, I have been having trouble reading the words in the Bible, but with these glasses on, I can see them so clearly that I feel young again. I am grateful to the person who gave them to me after hearing that I was having trouble seeing. They work so well that I almost regret not wearing reading glasses sooner.
I wonder how I will feel when the day comes that people begin treating me as an elderly man—addressing me respectfully on the street or offering me their seats on the subway. I suppose I will need to prepare myself for that too.
Then a thought occurred to me: What if I fail to accept the kingdom of heaven God has prepared for me because I am not ready for it? Although I say “Amen,” I reflect on whether I am truly prepared to enter heaven.
When I listen to the latest New Songs, heaven feels even closer. Like the reading glasses I received as a gift, I want to make good use of the key to heaven God has given me and enter the kingdom of heaven fully prepared. I will strive to develop the character and mindset befitting a citizen of heaven.
