The Vapor

Ofttimes we go on and about our business without even remembering. We make our decisions about what we'll wear tomorrow, what we'll say when we see so-and-so next Tuesday and what we'll read next, taking it for granted. And then something comes along to interrupt our flow and remind us that is just a vapor. Not permanent. Not owed to us. Not to be taken lightly or carelessly.

This past weekend a young man passed away, of whom I was only slightly acquainted. It doesn't seem to matter much how well you know someone. Death always strikes at the heart. It is in this moment that one of three things happen: we become saddened by the loss, but keep going on as before; we become thankful for another day of life, but soon forget it again; we weep and we listen to the Holy Spirit and we begin to walk in light of eternity.

One of my favorite women in history is Besty Ten Boom. Through fire, trial, sickness, pain, and even times of happiness she lived for Heaven. Her sister said it was as though she saw things the way no one else did. She walked daily with the hope that she'd be in eternity with Jesus, in her real, true home. This world is just the place where we sojourn. There is great hope and peace in that for those who are covered in the blood of Christ.

So what do we do when death comes to our side of town or hits close to home? I want the hope of eternity in my heart, to eek out my selfishness and pride, to be filled by the power of the Holy Spirit and walk the rest of this journey, remembering it's not my home, it's just a place I'm dwelling in for a time, in service to the King!

What about you?

"But I do not want you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning those who have fallen asleep, lest you sorrow as others who have no hope. For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so God will bring with Him those who sleep in Jesus." ~ 1 Thessalonians 4:13-14

"For what is your life? It is even a vapor that appears for a little time and then vanishes away." ~ James 4:14

"So teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom." ~ Psalm 90:12

"See then that you walk circumspectly, redeeming the time, for the days are evil." ~ Ephesians 5:15-16