“How do you know what is going to happen tomorrow? For the length of your lives is as uncertain as the morning fog—now you see it; soon it is gone. What you ought to say is, ‘If the Lord wants us to, we shall live and do this or that.’ Otherwise you will be bragging about your own plans, and such self-confidence never pleases God”—James 4:14-16 (TLB).
Flowers began to bloom around town—and in my yard—before the first official day of spring on March 20. Three weeks later, some of those early blooming flowers are already beginning to fade. Those early bloomers are often some of the most spectacular, but they don’t stick around very long.
Like flowers that bloom for a short period of time, we often forget just how precious and fleeting our lives are—no matter how long it lasts. One recent afternoon, I was walking my dog through the neighborhood. As I passed a friend’s house, I greeted him and another neighbor with a wave and a hello.
As I continued my one-mile walk through our neighborhood, I was startled by the screaming sirens of police cars and other first responders flying past me. I began to run. I didn’t know what was going on or where they were headed. Rounding a corner, I saw the neighbor, whom I had greeted not more than 20 minutes before, lying on his driveway where the EMTs were performing CPR.
Four days later, Fred passed away. He was 80-years-old and his doctor had recently given him a clean bill of health. I never suspected this humble man had just celebrated eight decades of living. And he did live—for others. I know, because I was a recipient of his generosity and kindness.
Fred’s passing has left a hole in many people’s hearts, including mine. How could someone so vibrant and full of life be gone that quickly?
James is right about life—it is but a wisp of fog. Like a morning fog that vanishes, so is our life—short and uncertain. Whether we live for only a few years, or over 100, the time we have is still relatively short. We have no guarantees about tomorrow, let alone next week, next month, next year or even 10 years from now. Because we only have one life to live, we must make it count.
In Ecclesiastes, wise King Solomon reminds us that no one can escape death. Ecclesiastes 7:2 says, “It is better to go to a house of mourning than to go to a house of feasting, for death is the destiny of everyone; the living should take this to heart.”
Psalm 90:12 says, “Teach us to number our days that we may gain a heart of wisdom.”
God’s wisdom is what we must seek if we want to live a life pleasing to Him, a life of humility and obedience. Ultimately, everyone who has ever lived or will ever live will die. Truly, our lives are but a mist.
Carol, Thanks for the beautiful reminder of the brevity of life. Psalm 90:12 is a favorite of mine.
Thank you, Nancy. It is something we forget sometime…how fast life can change…in the blink of an eye. God bless!
I love the book of James – he shot from the hip. I often remind myself (and others) of James’ caution to avoid favoritism and that God grants us wisdom liberally, without finding fault – whenever we ask Him.
And thanks for this reminder of the brevity – and uncertainty – of life.
Thank you for your response to my blog post, Brenda. I still miss my neighbor, Fred. I drive by his house everyday, expecting to see him in his yard working. God bless you!