Life rushes on like a river

Today I’ve been looking through old photos. Many emotions have been brought to the surface of my heart and mind. My life has gone by so fast it seems like the memories are unreal but they are my life. I am seeking to make sense of this in some way. How did it come and go so quickly? The bible tells me that I am but a vapor. James 4:14 “Yet you do not know what your life will be like tomorrow. You are just a vapor that appears for a little while and then vanishes away. These are true words from God! We live as if we have all the time in the world when we are not even promised tomorrow.

I suppose I am ruminating about such things because of my cancer diagnosis. I am facing the reality of my mortality. I am 69 years old and have lived a relatively full life. I’ve experienced the joy of marriage, children and grandchildren. I’ve worked along side my husband nearly 50 years in ministry and have shared the joys and sorrows of the life God called us to, together!

Sorrow and pain are not new to someone my age. I have grieved with those who have lost family and love one’s. I grieved with children who have grieved the death of relationships and life’s many sorrows. I grieved with those of our congregation for the many losses of their lives and those they love. I’ve grieved the loss of my own Father’s and shared in my mothers grief for her losses of parents and husbands.

Grief is God’s gracious gift to us to show compassion and love to one another. Jesus grieved, for Jerusalem, for Lazarus, in the garden He grieved because of sin and the suffering of the cross, he grieved for those around the cross before He died for you and me. We are called to be like Him.

Grieve as those who have hope. John 16:20 “Truly, truly, I say to you, that you will weep and lament, but the world will rejoice; you will grieve, but your grief will be turned to joy”

Time is precious, savor the moments you have, make memories and when the time comes to face the mortality of your life, make sure that the life you live now will be a testimony to those around you to the Grace and Glory of Jesus Christ our Savior and Lord. Bring Honor to God daily so that you will have nothing to be ashamed of. Time is of the most importance now for me because now I am vulnerable to the idea that I will not live forever and I will not be spared the suffering of life, physically or emotionally. My prayer is that my life would reflect the grace and mercy of Jesus and others would be drawn to him. Give me courage Lord to not be afraid of the unknown, but to be BOLD in who I know, You dear Lord in your strength and power and peace!