A friend of mine recently lost her husband, and the wounds of his passing are still deep. Through much prayer and consideration, she decided to move out of the home they shared together and start over in another part of town. 

Several months ago, I helped her sort through the items that were lying on his dresser. Nothing had been touched. Everything was still sitting in the same position he had left them. As she picked up every restaurant receipt and every little nicknack, she talked about the sweet memories attached to every item, and carefully placed each sentimental piece into a storage box.

When she walked over to his nightstand, she picked up his alarm clock, and as she started to place it in the box, she began to cry. She said, “Out of all the things that I just picked up, this is what I get emotional over.” 

It made me cry, too. I guess it’s because a clock is, of course, a symbol of time. I think seeing it reminded her (and me) of just how short our days on earth really are, and how, even though I would love to do what Jim Croce wanted to do and bottle it, unfortunately, earthly time is something we can neither store nor save.

The Bible tells us, and I truly believe this, that Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and the Life, and no man comes to the Father but through Him alone. (John 14:6)  Whenever we invite Christ into our hearts and make Him the Lord of our lives, we not only get to live an abundant life here on earth, but we also have a Heavenly Home waiting for us one day. That is His Promise to us, and God always keeps His Promises. 

I long for the day when I can live with Him, and be with my family and friends who have gone on before me. Until that day arrives, though, I believe that while we're here, God has a purpose for all of us to fulfill, and we're supposed to make the most of the precious gift of time He has so graciously given to each one of us.

I believe God deeply desires for us to: Take care of our parents, spend time with our loved ones, pray for a sick friend, comfort the grieving, encourage the discouraged, help the less fortunate, protect the most vulnerable, treat others as we would like to be treated, and most of all, love Him with all of our hearts. 

My heart's desire is that the Light of Jesus will shine through me,  because He is our One and Only Hope in this dark and disparaging world, and one day when He calls me, I will see Him.... Face to face. 

“Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom....” - Psalm 90:12

Love,

Anita