Oh, This Fleeting Life...

"Show me, O LORD...

Let me know how fleeting my life is...

Truly each man at his best

exists as but a breath.

Selah

...And now, O Lord, for what do I wait?

My hope is in You." ~ Genesis 39:4-7 (excerpts)

Life is such a funny thing.

Each of us receives a mere whisper really, in the scope of eternity.

We all know one day we must go.

Different cultures view the passing of a human life so differently. Here in the states, there are equally divergent perspectives. Perhaps that's because we're a nation so beautifully rooted in all the countries of the world, really.

Some fear death. Some don't even want to talk or think about it. Though I suspect, those who say they don't may even think on it more than most.

If you know the history of all of this, you're aware that in the past few years I lost both my mother and my grandmother. Standing in the space of their legacy is at the core of all I do here.

I was particularly blessed, because both my mother who passed far too young and my grandmother who transitioned full of years approached eternity with dignity and grace, strength and poise, and hope.

Indeed, it is that hope that is our anchor, is it not?

Even as believers, it's okay for there to be trepidation. There's so much unknown to us.

But, as believers, we have the privilege of peace... even in the knowledge that tomorrow is guaranteed to no one.

Whenever my departure day arrives, and yes I hope it is when I am full of years, but none of us knows... whenever He calls me home, I plan to dance off into the embrace of my Savior to be joyfully welcomed home.

That's my vision, at any rate.

I think the critical thing to remember is, no matter how beautiful and hope-filled the promise of eternity... No matter how critical it is to keep our focus on Him, day by day... Still, we must remember what a precious gift this life really is, and do our utmost to live each day well.

We're not simply in a heavenly holding pattern. We have work to do, or I imagine He would have long since whisked us up, up, and away.

In Psalm 90:12, listed as a prayer of Moses, the psalmist asks, "So teach us to number our days, that we may present a heart of wisdom."

To me, it implores God to help us to recall our mortality, that we may walk in wisdom, with discernment.

That makes me think He would not have us waste time...

Unless we're talking about rest, which He not only permits or implores, but actually commands us to do. That's a different conversation altogether.

Point being, I am acutely aware today of the fleeting natures of time and life.

I hope and pray I have plenty of time to do all it is on my heart to do.

And, in the same breath, I honor whatever plan He has, because I know it will be far greater than any I could concoct.

If I have the privilege of leaving a life or two brighter and perhaps better off than they would have been without knowing me, I think I could be satisfied with that.

Whatever plan He has for each one of us, may we live it to the full, one and all... And I pray, we all come before Him one day and hear the words, well done.

Abba, our Creator,

In this moment, I offer up the prayer of the 90th Psalm, for us all. "... Teach us to number our days..." Grant us the eyes to see, the ears to hear, a heart always eager for You, and the will to ever walk in Your Way. Heavenly Father, bless all Your children, I pray.

Amen.

"O God, You are my God. Earnestly I seek You... Because Your loving devotion is better than life... So I will bless You as long as I live... For You are my help; I will sing for joy in the shadow of Your wings. My soul clings to You; Your right hand upholds me." ~ Psalm 139:13 (excerpts)

"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." ~ James 4:14

"‘He will wipe away every tear from their eyes,’ and there will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the former things have passed away." ~ Revelation 21:4

May the Good Lord bless you and keep you, friends... always, in all ways. Amen.

Bonus song of praise... ♥ (It's funny how often I go looking for a song of praise when I've finished writing and something perfect I've never heard before pops up immediately. God is so sweet. Enjoy!)

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