Life is Fleeting

This week I have become even more aware that our lives are moving swiftly toward the end. Every day needs to be cherished and used to its fullest. We will not know when our last day is coming so we should live each day as if it is our last.

There is always pain when someone we love or care about dies, especially when it is unexpected. It is hard to grasp their sudden absence and the end of future times with them. There is a loss of their talents and their personality; of their laughter and tears. Their warmth and kindness disappears along with their goals and dreams.

Sometimes death can bring an end to terrible physical pain or emotional torture, and then death can be a blessing. However, those left behind share the grief of losing a family member, a dear friend or a cherished mentor. At some point in my faith I left my fear of death behind and actually longed for the peace and perfection of eternal life with my heavenly father, and Jesus, His Son. Losing a friend from this earth is still difficult, but when I know that person will be surrounded by God's love and grace, I wish I could trade places with them.

"As for man, his days are like grass, he flourish like a flower of the field; the wind blows over it and it is gone, and its place remembers it no more. But from everlasting to everlasting the Lord's love is with those who fear him, and his righteousness with their children's children--with those who keep his covenant and remember to obey his precepts" (Psalm 103:15-18 NIV).

Life is short. Take time to do the kind and thoughtful thing for those you love; to say "I love you" again; and embrace them with your loving arms once more. Give your friends and family another reason to miss you someday.