1 Corinthians 7:29-31
What I mean, brothers and sisters, is that the time is short. From now on those who have wives should live as if they do not; those who mourn, as if they did not; those who are happy, as if they were not; those who buy something, as if it were not theirs to keep; those who use the things of the world, as if not engrossed in them. For this world in its present form is passing away. 1 Corinthians 7:29-31 (NIV)
Last week, I flew from Lincoln to Arizona to visit my big sister. She has lived a wonderful life. She has a husband, two children and their spouses, eight grandchildren. Her world, in its present form, is passing away. She is in hospice. She now lives in an assisted living facility where she has every need fulfilled, except for the one need she feels is foremost in her mind, to go home, just go to the place she feels safest and most comfortable. As sad as I felt, as much as I could put myself aside and try to help her find comfort, nothing helped for more than a few moments. We reminisced, we laughed, we prayed. Now, reading this passage, I feel like maybe we should all live like we were dying. We are, after all. Thankfully, blessedly, we do know that dying is the beginning, not the end. We know that Heaven is awaiting our arrival and there will be no more pain, no more sorrow, no more wishing and hoping and worrying. Time is short, but the promise of eternity in Heaven with Him is so sweet.
The most difficult thing I have ever done in my life was to tell her goodbye when it was time to come back to Nebraska. I know what the reality is, but it is only the reality of life in its present form. I promised myself I would not cry. I would be strong for her, because she needed that from me. I didn't sob, I didn't wail, but a tear slipped from my eye as I kissed her goodbye. She knew as well as I did what is coming next. She smiled and said, "Don't cry, I will be fine." It is true, right, she will be better than fine. She will see God's glory and bask in the beauty of Heaven. The test is for those of us left behind to pray and believe and always live knowing the time here is short, get priorities in order and live in a way most pleasing to Him.
Questions for Reflection:
- Do I live in a way that shows those around me my love for God?
- Do I remember that this life is not my final place, but Heaven awaits?
- Can we relax and know that God's plan for us is what is best and quit trying to bend His will to our way of thinking?
Prayer:
My dear Lord, I pray for all those who have gone to You before me. Even though I miss them every day, I rejoice knowing that they are with You and enjoying Heaven for eternity. Thank you for the blessings You bestow on us in our earthly lives. Help me to stay on a path that leads to You and Your eternal love in Heaven. Forgive me for the times that I stray and forget how soon life in this present form will pass away. All praise and honor to You! Amen
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