A Second

“Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes.  Instead, you ought to say, “If it is the Lord’s will, we will live and do this or that.”  James 4:14-15

A series of events, Lord, has caused me to remember once again that life is fleeting.  A football game lost in the last one second of the game… the death of a 40-year old actor in a car accident… and the death of a friend’s close friend.  James says it so clearly.  Our lives are but a mist that is here for a while, then gone.  What a sobering and humbling Truth.  

Yet, Lord, what I glean from this reminder is the deeper understanding that all our days are numbered and ordained by You before one of them ever comes to be.  (Psalm 139:16)  Even more sobering and humbling.

So now it grows more imperative to me that I follow You with all my heart and go wherever You lead me.  I do not want to get to the end of my life and realize that my disobedience has robbed You of any glory You would have received if I had followed You obediently.  I am forgiven, I know, but my heart’s desire is to be all you would have me to be, do whatever You have for me to do and go wherever You take me.  The thought of doing anything else grieves my soul. 

Up and away with You again, Lord, so that I may be Your instrument of peace and grace as You live and work through me.  What a privilege… a sobering and humbling privilege.  Praise You.