What Are Your Thoughts On Living So Long?

By Billy Graham, Tribune Media Services on Nov 7, 2008

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Q: I heard somewhere that you'll soon be celebrating your 90th birthday. My sincere congratulations and best wishes to you for such a long life! When is it, anyway? And what are your thoughts about living so long? Do you ever wish you could just go on to heaven? -- Mrs. K.R.

A: Thank you for your kind greetings -- and yes, by the time you read this I will have celebrated my 90th birthday (on November 7).

I suppose my first thought about living so long is one of surprise! I never thought I'd live this long; when I was growing up, I can't recall that any members of our family lived to this age. I thank God for giving me such a long and full life -- and above all, my feeling is one of deep gratitude to Him for all His blessings. Often in recent days, I have recalled the Bible's words in Lamentations 3:22-23: "His compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness."

Most of all, as I look back over the years, I am thankful for Christ, and for His love and grace to me. When I was a teenager, some friends took me to hear a visiting evangelist, and one night I gave my life to Jesus Christ. He has made all the difference in my life -- and He will do the same for anyone who puts their faith and trust in Him. Have you committed your life to Christ?

Yes, I look forward to heaven -- now more than ever. But in the meantime, my goal is to be faithful to Christ until He calls me home. May this be your goal, as well.

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Send your queries to "My Answer," c/o Billy Graham, Billy Graham Evangelistic Association, 1 Billy Graham Parkway, Charlotte, N.C., 28201; call 1-(877) 2-GRAHAM, or visit the Web site for the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association: www.billygraham.org.