Time's Up

I have always known that we are not promised our next breath. People can be here one minutes, and gone the next. Death doesn't distinguish between the rich and poor, old and young, healthy or sick. It just doesn't care if you have a promising future ahead of you, or if you wasted all of the opportunities in your life. When your time is up, that's it.

A few weeks ago, a 16 year old boy was tragically killed in an accident. He was the type of student that teachers dream of. The kind of boy every mother prays to have. He was a friend to many. He was a talented football player. This young man left a legacy of love because he was a sincerely compassionate person. I am comforted because I know that he had trusted Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of his sins. So, I know without a doubt that he is in Heaven right now. I don't think he had any regrets about the choices he had made in his short life. He told his Mother that he loved her every time they parted or ended a phone conversation. He was just a special person that won't be forgotten by the people that knew him.

Three other people we were associated with just lost their battle with Cancer. The fight was long, painful, and not pretty. They were mothers, fathers, wives, husbands, sons, daughters, teachers, employees, friends, and so much more to so many people. More importantly, they were all Christians. So, their passing was not really the end. It was a transition into eternity. It was just the beginning of a beautiful forever full of rewards prepared especially for them by a loving Father who knows the pain they endured on Earth. From my perspective, sometimes this life just seems so unfair. However, I know that I just can't see the whole picture. God may allow a moment of hurt, but he makes up for that with unending joy in Paradise.

I have lost my Mom, my Grandmother, close friends, and mentors. Knowing that I will not see them or talk to them again this side of Heaven is a grief I can't even put into words. I tell myself all the time that all of this is only temporary. This isn't all there is. God has so much more planned for those who believe and put their Faith in Him.

You always think you have another day with the people you love. Sadly, you may not have another minute. A few days ago, my husband was injured in an accident at our shop. He was nearly crushed by a vehicle. I had just walked up within seconds of the incident. If I had not been there at that exact moment, or if the truck had been positioned differently, I don't believe he would still be here. He hurt his leg, but he could have easily been run over by the truck and killed. It all happened so fast. I was absolutely terrified. It really opened my eyes to how quickly things can change in my own life. I was reminded of how little control I have over most things. I hardly slept that night thinking about the horrors of what could have happened, and thanking God that He intervened and protected my husband from serious harm.

Our time may be up much faster than we think. It is so important to know what happens when you leave this world. Do you have a personal relationship with God through His son, Jesus Christ? If you have not made the decision to place your faith in Him, you will face an eternity of torment once your time on Earth is done. This is a decision that can't wait. It can't wait until you get older. It can't wait until you stop doing this or that. It just can't wait. You don't know when your time is up, but when it is, you need to know where you will spend eternity.

Sometimes this life is ugly. It is hard. It seems unforgiving and unfair. BUT WAIT, there's more!! If you call on HIM, right now... you will receive forgiveness, unconditional love, and keys to the Kingdom of God. You will inherit riches beyond your wildest dreams. Jesus Christ already paid the price for your life. His sacrifice can wash away your dirtiest secret and darkest sins. It is  a free gift. All you have to do is accept it. The choice is yours. Don't wait. Do it now... before your time is up.

Waves of Life

My Dad was in the Navy, so we moved a bit when I was growing up. The place that I considered home as a teenager was Florida. We lived about 45 minutes from the coast, so I didn't go often. As I got older, I discovered that when I was sad or anxious, nothing could soothe my spirit quite like the sound of waves crashing against the shore. To stand at the edge of the water.. at night.. all alone...toes in the cool wet sand... a billion stars above... well, there are just no words to describe the awe and wonder I felt inside. I could feel the power and presence of God with each rise and fall of the waves. They come so fast and strong and then just seem to fall apart when the reach land.

We spent some time at the beach recently. One day, as my husband and I stood in the warm waters a few weeks ago, I was reminded of how calm and peaceful it can be to just float in the water. The salt water therapy can cure whatever ails you as you just watch the rest of the world disappear. It can feel like time literally just stops and you are locked in a moment of pure joy and tranquility. There is nothing quite like being so small and insignificant, yet, feeling safe in the vast and mysterious blue green waters.

However, the next day was much different. We hadn't waded out far before we realized that things were nothing like they were before. The sand beneath our feet was constantly shifting and sometimes being swept right out from under us. The waves were bigger and more powerful. They just kept coming, one right after another... wave on wave. I was breathless and exhausted in no time! I tried to turn from them and shield myself from their harsh blows, but the force would knock me unsteady. I found that if I faced them head on, I could navigate and find the safest location and just about rise above the wave and allow it to carry my body, rather than trying to fight against it.

It occurred to me that life is a whole lot like the ocean. Some days just go along smoothly. We can laugh and love without a care in the world. Then, without warning, the tides change and we are right in the middle of the scariest storm we have ever faced. Waves pushing it down and holding us under until we don't even know which way is up! The storms of life may be finances, health, loss of a loved one, or a thousand other issues that cause our lives to change in an instant.

I have learned to appreciate the sunny days and soak up the happy memories. When the hard rains start falling and I am flooded with despair, I have found that it is best that I face my problems and ride out the storm. Most things in my life are beyond my control. God's will and His perfect plan are things that I don't always understand. In fact, many times I don't like them at all. I am human and I can't see the whole picture. I don't know what is up ahead... but, I know someone who does... and I trust Him. He still calms the storms. All I have to do is follow Him, and He will lead me to exactly where I need to be.

He is he same yesterday, today, and forever... because I believe... I am willing to trust Him in the sunshine and the rain.