On Saturday, my mentor and friend for over 51 years, celebrated his 87th birthday. I have learned so much from this man over the span of time that God has allowed him to be in my life.
He has taught me how love God will all my heart.
He has taught me how to have a daily walk with God.
He has taught me how to trust God completely.
He taught me the value of a godly work ethic.
He taught me how to interpret a song and how to lead a choir effectively.
He taught me how to be a leader.
He shared a great lesson with me about how to live life for God’s glory at 87.
Here’s what he wrote:
Tomorrow I turn 21 with 66 years’ experience. My desires tell me I am 21. My mind tells me I am about 65. My body tells me I am 87. But every year after 80 without a headstone is a milestone, so I’m now on milestone 7!
Tomorrow I will be more grateful than I am today for a great life, one of unexpected blessings and experiences.
Tomorrow I will thank the Lord again for the provision of being at Shell Point. This is a first-class facility, but somehow our finances are sufficient for the plan in which we are enrolled. The wonderful part is the health coverage which is becoming more and more valuable.
Tomorrow I will plan for the future as though I will live forever. I will keep in mind my growing limitations, but I will press them to the extreme. My body will have to tell my mind when to put on the brakes.
Tomorrow I will continue to expand my thoughts and writing activities. I will push my body to withstand another hour and a half choir rehearsal (practicing “Tomorrow” from Annie). I will force myself to get some exercise which is good for me, but I do not enjoy.
Tomorrow I will love my wife and family more than ever, not because I never loved them, but because I am learning more and more what true love is all about. The same can be said about my feelings for dear friends through the years.
Tomorrow I will have Mary Esther go to the piano and I will sing, “Jesus Lead Me All the Way.”
“Someday life’s journey will be ‘o’er,
And I shall reach that distant shore.
I’ll sing while entering heaven’s door,
Jesus led me all the way.
Refrain
Jesus led me all the way.
Led me step by step each day.
I will tell the saints and angels as I lay my burdens down,
Jesus led me all the way.
Second stanza
If God should let me there review
The winding paths on earth I knew,
It would be proven clear and true,
Jesus led me all the way.”—John Peterson
Tomorrow I will be one day closer to my eternal destiny with Jesus.
Now that is something to celebrate.
Thanks, Neil Fichthorn for all you have taught me and how you are still teaching me.
By Christ, in Christ, for Christ,
Bill Welte, President/CEO
America’s Keswick
Email:bwelte@americaskeswick.org
Written by Bill Welte, President/CEO of America’s Keswick: Bill has been married to his childhood sweetheart for 40+ years and has four married kids and 12 amazing grandkids. He loves music and is an avid reader.
Think About This: “We forget that God’s primary goal is not changing our situations or relationships so that we can be happy, but changing us through our situations and relationships so that we will be holy.” ―
The Daily Bible Reading: Genesis 41; Matthew 13:1-32| You can download our 2022 Daily Bible Reading Plan by clicking here.
