The Gift of Life + Living For the Now
As I sit here today, I am in great awe that the Lord has allowed me the opportunity and blessing to see another year of life.
Often, we take life for granted. We ignore the reality that the fact God chooses to continue to put breath in our lungs is a miracle. We forget that in one single moment, our life here on earth can be gone.
Unfortunately, we all know the companion of grief a little too well. Physical death is inevitable. We cannot escape it. There is no predetermining factor or warning of when it will be reality for us or a loved one. It doesn't come once we have reached a certain age, relationship status, weight on the scale, socioeconomic class, etc. It just comes when it comes.
Although we understand death is a part of life, we rarely live cautiously of the reality that today - literally this breath - could be our last.
Instead of living in full presentness today, we put things off until tomorrow. We even dwell on things of the past, forsaking the gifts right in front of us.
Why is it so easy to do this? Why is it so easy to life so carefree and under the assumption or expectation that we will live a full life, well into our 80s or 90s? Along with holding that same assumption or expectation of our loved ones? Why is it so hard to live present in the moment and live life to the fullest? Why do we forsake saying "I love you" or "I am grateful for you" or "Thank you for simply being you"? Why do we always want to wait to say that "one thing" later or resolve that conflict another time? Why do easily resolve to "I will share Christ with them next time I see them" or "I want to make sure I have laid the 'right' foundation before I share the Gospel with them"?
I don't ask these questions to scare any of us or to cause us to live with anxiety, concern, anger, guilt, shame, etc. I am simply posing hard questions and challenging us to think realistically and intentionally.
Unfortunately, death and potentially life threatening situations for loved ones have been way too familiar and close to home this past year and months. It has stopped me multiple times and challenged my perspective in countless ways.
I am so guilty of living in the future rather than the present. I can easily be carried away with future plans and anxieties, preventing me from accomplishing or doing the one best thing for the present moment. I can easily live as if time is my best companion.
I write this because I want to challenge you and me to live intentionally and with purpose. Tell those you love that you love them. Communicate what you need to communicate in order to live in unity and peaceably with others. Fight for Truth and stand up for what is right, respectfully and purposefully. Learn to give thanks to the Lord when things are easy AND hard. Choose to share the hope of Christ with that coworker, friend, or neighbor, even when you are nervous or just “want to wait until next time.” Be intentional with others and be generous with your love and time. Get to know them, listen to their story, and allow them to see the real you.
Tomorrow is not guaranteed for any of us. Let’s stop thinking time is limitless and start living fully present in the moment.
Further, as followers of Christ, may our lives be marked by the fruit of the Spirit and the hope of the Gospel, that we may live boldly and courageously as a light for the Kingdom, living every moment to the fullest.
May we be grateful for the breath in our lungs, trusting and remembering that if we are still alive, God still has a purpose for us and wants to use us. May we worship Him, seek to better know Him, and glorify Him in all that we do.
Soli Deo gloria. 🤟🏼
“Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise,making the best use of the time, because the days are evil.Therefore, do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is.”