Photo: Todd Downs
In 1992 I attended the funeral of a baby who was stillborn. Just days before the parents were marveling at the movement of the baby, filled with joy at the expectation of the little guy about to arrive on the scene of their lives. During the birthing process the umbilical cord wrapped around his neck.
I can still see the little white coffin sitting at the front of the sanctuary during Christian’s funeral. I can still feel the utter sadness and grief in that room. How can one explain what just happened?
Literally days before the words were spoken by our women’s ministry director, “I don’t know why I’m saying this, but God even has a plan for babies who aren’t on this earth for very long.”
Little comfort to a grieving mother, yet so filled with truth.
Life is short.
Last week I attended the funeral of our 86-year-old neighbor. He’s lived across the street from us since we moved here 20 years ago. He was a sweet, wonderful man, although he had quirks that would make us smile, and we’d say things like, “Oh, gotta love Tony!”
He would mow his lawn every 3rd day, first with the push mower then with the rider. It would always make us chuckle. But we were also very grateful that he kept such a beautiful yard.
He’s been in good health until just the past couple of years, but in the spring he was diagnosed with lung cancer and fought hard until Jesus took him home last week.
To ask his children, his life was too short.
I’ve been to funerals for people from stillborn up to my 96-year-old great grandma, and naturally, every age in-between. And do you know what? Every family member, friend, neighbor and loved one could say the same thing about each one - life is short.
So what are you doing with your short life?
- Do you have a dormant dream that is little more than just a dream? Is it time to wake up and take action on your passion?
- Is there family you need to visit more often and get to know, maybe before it’s too late?
- Is there a vacation you want to take but just haven’t taken the time to plan?
- Maybe it’s cleaning out clutter and downsizing your stuff to make room for what’s really important in your life.
- Have you wanted to try something new like hiking, kayaking, mountain climbing?
- Is there something new you want to learn?
- Are there books you want to read but haven’t made the time for it?
- Have you made time for God?
What’s holding you back? What unimportant thing is consuming your time? What are you waiting for?
Life is short. Laugh, love, have fun, go on an adventure!
Let this awesome illustration about life by Francis Chan inspire you regarding the life that is to come!
