Don't hoard your goods; spread them around. Be a blessing to others. This could be your last night.Ecclesiastes 11:2 (MSG)
Wendy and I spent this past evening with friends. It was a wonderful evening of love and laughter, and we returned home much later than planned or desired. It was after returning home I was preparing for bed when I realized I had a text message. The text messaged announced a sudden and unexpected heart attack death. It's always a shock to hear news like this, no matter who it is. How awful for a family to lose a loved one during their Christmas celebration.
The reality was a sobering reminder as I headed to bed last night. Of course, the verse this morning brought it back to mind. How would each of jus behave differently if we knew that tonight would be our last? How different my perspective might be about the holidays, my family and my friends if I knew my soul would be required of me at the end of the day.
I realize that it's a lesson right out of "A Christmas Carol," but one of which I need to remind myself regularly. We aren't guaranteed a tomorrow. Today may be all I have. Perhaps I should live like it, give like it, and love as if this day really is my last.
Creative Commons photo courtesy of Flickrand Kurioso
1Be generous: Invest in acts of charity. Charity yields high returns.
We returned an hour ago from meeting a family that we are serving this Christmas season. It brought me great joy to help another family that needs the love of Christ this Christmas. It is very affirming to read this verse tonight. We were called to serve this Christmas and we listened. It is clearly more blessed to give than receive.
Don't hoard your goods; spread them around. Be a blessing to others. This could be your last night.Ecclesiastes 11:2 (MSG)
Wendy and I spent this past evening with friends. It was a wonderful evening of love and laughter, and we returned home much later than planned or desired. It was after returning home I was preparing for bed when I realized I had a text message. The text messaged announced a sudden and unexpected heart attack death. It's always a shock to hear news like this, no matter who it is. How awful for a family to lose a loved one during their Christmas celebration.
The reality was a sobering reminder as I headed to bed last night. Of course, the verse this morning brought it back to mind. How would each of jus behave differently if we knew that tonight would be our last? How different my perspective might be about the holidays, my family and my friends if I knew my soul would be required of me at the end of the day.
I realize that it's a lesson right out of "A Christmas Carol," but one of which I need to remind myself regularly. We aren't guaranteed a tomorrow. Today may be all I have. Perhaps I should live like it, give like it, and love as if this day really is my last.
Creative Commons photo courtesy of Flickrand Kurioso
1Be generous: Invest in acts of charity. Charity yields high returns.
We returned an hour ago from meeting a family that we are serving this Christmas season. It brought me great joy to help another family that needs the love of Christ this Christmas. It is very affirming to read this verse tonight. We were called to serve this Christmas and we listened. It is clearly more blessed to give than receive.