Saturday, July 25, 2009

Will You Be Ready??


Will you be ready when your number is called? In Ps 90:12 we read, “Teach us to number our days and recognize how few they are; help us to spend them as we should.” TLB. Once again I have been reminded of how short and unpredictable life really is. The other day, Tuesday to be exact, we had been to the Farmer’s Market and then out for breakfast. We were on our way home, when Kevin noticed Lily Fong working in the corner of the yard, where we were stopped at the sign. Lily is the mother of one of Kevin’s childhood friends. Right away Kevin said, “I want to say ‘Hi’ to Lily.” I didn’t think she would know who we were, but Kevin rolled down the car window and called out to her. She immediately stood up and turned to see who it was, and recognized us and came over to the car. We chatted for a few minutes about yard work, “weed farming”, her grandchildren, and retirement. We then wished her well and drove on. Two days later I was reading the paper and was shocked to see Mrs. Fong’s obituary listed. Then I was even more shocked to see the date of Tuesday, July 21st. I called Kevin to come look. We were both pondering the notice when Kevin said, “I wonder if we were the last people to talk to her?” There really was no way of knowing. Later, come to find out, we probably were the last to speak to her on this earth. The time we spoke to her was between 10:15 – 10:30 a.m. and her husband found her at peace at 11:00 a.m. In a way it has been such a unique experience because her family has found such peace in the story that we talked to her and she was her happy, cheerful self. There was no indication of a problem and that she would be gone within the hour. The Bible tells us “Lord, help me to realize how brief my time on earth will be. Help me to know that I am here for but a moment more. My life is no longer than my hand! My whole lifetime is but a moment to you. Proud man! Frail as breath! A shadow! And all his busy rushing ends in nothing. He heaps up riches for someone else to spend. And so, Lord, my only hope is in you.” Ps 39: 4-7 TLB It is inevitable we will all die and leave this earth. We often lose sight of the fact why we are placed on earth. We make our own plans and then start going forward with them. I remember as a child, the pastor always saying, “Live each day as if it were your last.” That is great advice, but a little harder to follow, but we should do just that. Our purpose on earth is to further the Kingdom of our Lord and to share His message of love and forgiveness. So as we prepare to say our goodbyes to another earthly friend, I am reminded of the verse in James 4:13-17 (NIRV) “Now listen, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city. We will spend a year there. We will buy and sell and make money.” You don’t even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? It is a mist that appears for a little while. Then it disappears. Instead, you should say, “If it pleases the Lord, I will live and do this or that.” So what should our reaction be to this reminder that life is short? First and foremost be thankful for what you have, especially your family. Secondly, tell friends and family what they mean to you. I think we should adapt the verse in Eph 4:26 Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, (NIV) to include any conversation whether by phone or in person, to never end in anger or with bad feelings. Just as we experienced with our friend Lily, it could be your last conversation. Lastly, make plans but don’t forget to include God and His will in going forth with them. After all, our days are numbered. Until next time, may you be covered in God’s grace and His peace be with you.
Linda

1 comment:

Tina said...

What a beautiful post. Great scriptures too. Thank you for sharing. I hope you know that I love you so much. You are so special to me. Thanks for being a wonderful friend & sister.