At 25 years old I never imagined giving thought to dying.

The days still seem endless at this point.

A few weeks ago two friends from high school passed away.  It was hard to believe because both were only a year younger than myself..  One was a mother to a little boy around Garrett’s age even.  I was thinking over their life and how I loved each one. The sudden end to their lives was another reminder that what we’re doing here won’t be forever.

Another reminder was from two people who I don’t personally know.  Each shared their own battle with cancer. {It’s tricky to write this next paragraph because one has passed away and the other is still journeying through cancer. I’m trying to balance between writing in the presence and past tense so sorry if I mess that up!}

Kara Tippetts wrote a book, ‘The Hardest Peace’ that I read recently.  It really has changed my approach to life.

David Landrith was a pastor of Long Hollow Baptist Church in Tennessee. He passed away this week after an intense battle with a rare cancer.

Each of these two share(d) a radiant outlook on the days ahead of them.  They share a beautiful hope that catches your attention. Though both honestly share about the place of pain an illness like cancer is, their hearts are at peace.  That’s amazing to me. To go through a brutal sickness and experience peace in the midst of it all.

As they each walk(ed) through the journey of cancer one thing was clear. Their faces are turned to Jesus. They both reflect Jesus so well.

I have learned a lot from each of them and ultimately their impact has brought me closer to Christ.

Death is intimidating and it’s a part of life that I typically push aside because the shadow that death casts is frightening.

Sometimes I forget to embrace this life as each day comes.

Life is precious and short.  I’ve wasted days, this i’m certain of.

The reality is that there is an end.  The hope is that what is on the other side is better.

I remember one evening laying on my bed writing and as I shared about how I longed to see Jesus I experienced an overwhelming excitement. All of creation is said to groan for the return of Christ (Romans 8:22). This is true in my case but that evening was met with a sweet reminder that  I will be with Jesus face to face one day.  Having faith without sight will not be forever!

I don’t mean to be morbid.  That’s not my intention.  But I have acted for a long time that my days aren’t numbered and I just don’t believe that’s wise anymore.

I bumped into this verse last week.  It’s changing me.

Psalm 90:12
So teach us to number our days that we may get a heart of wisdom.

{It’s believed to be the oldest psalm and written by Moses.}

I don’t think the intention is for us to walk around filled with dread.  That’s not the attitude God calls us to have at all. This message that our days are numbered (one that is talked about many times in the Bible) is suppose to revive our souls to live and love all the more!

Embrace each moment.

Live richly by being intentional in relationships.

Love is great in theory. Being kind and concerned with others are great ideas but how often does it really get played out? For me I know that I could be so much better at loving. Learning!

* * *

Going back and forth on whether or not to post this I decided to be brave with it.  If you’re like me, maybe you too forget what is important.

I don’t want a tragedy in life to be what changes how I live.  Do you know what I mean?

I want to grab each day God gives and live each moment for His glory. If then something does rattle up my world then I want to have already been living how God called me to. <3

Psalm 34:1-2
I will bless the Lord at all times;
his praise shall continually be in my mouth.
2 My soul makes its boast in the Lord;
let the afflicted hear and be glad

 

Enjoy Thanksgiving this year by giving thanks for the people in your life and showing them how much you cherish them.

Until next time,

Laura