Reflections on Death...and therefore, Life
These past months I have been reminded again and again of how very brief and unpredictable life is - or can be. A man lost his life at age 27 - due to some internal conflict with his illicit activities or family members I suppose. Every day people lose their lives - some unexpectedly, some with short warning, some with longer warning. I am 38 - and have been given the gift of these years. I cannot presume to expect 40-50 more of them - that is for God to decide.
I see those who have lived life fully - with purpose, love, devotion to God. And then I see a life ended prematurely on our lawn. The Bible tells us to 'number our days that we may gain a heart of wisdom.' I don't want to be morbid in reflecting on death, but I do want to gain a heart of wisdom. I want to embrace life - all of it. Yet there are times I shrink back from the living of life. Sometimes I can't help it, other times I simply lack courage (read: heartiness - full-heartedness) to walk into the full experience of life - it's pain, struggles, joys, hopes - all of it.
In these daily experiences and exposures to horror and life's brevity, I don't want to miss the opportunity to hear what God is saying: "The grass withers, the flower fades, but the Word of God stands forever." Our lives are like withering grass. But even in the moments of the flower of life blooming, there is beauty, fragrance and a welcoming of sunshine.
I see those who have lived life fully - with purpose, love, devotion to God. And then I see a life ended prematurely on our lawn. The Bible tells us to 'number our days that we may gain a heart of wisdom.' I don't want to be morbid in reflecting on death, but I do want to gain a heart of wisdom. I want to embrace life - all of it. Yet there are times I shrink back from the living of life. Sometimes I can't help it, other times I simply lack courage (read: heartiness - full-heartedness) to walk into the full experience of life - it's pain, struggles, joys, hopes - all of it.
In these daily experiences and exposures to horror and life's brevity, I don't want to miss the opportunity to hear what God is saying: "The grass withers, the flower fades, but the Word of God stands forever." Our lives are like withering grass. But even in the moments of the flower of life blooming, there is beauty, fragrance and a welcoming of sunshine.
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