I just read the psalmists request that God remind him of how "fleeting" was his life. (Psalm 39:4) It is way too easy to live as though we have unlimited tomorrows, even if logically we know we shall all die. Strange isn't it that we know there are fatal accidents every day and people of all ages die unexpectedly at all ages from heart disease, strokes, etc? Yet we live as thought we have a lot of time to get right with God, accomplish God's purposes and mend all relationships with people.
I forget sometimes. On the other hand since my father died suddenly at age 60, I have always expected that the long life genes in Jan's family will cause her to outlive me by 20 years. So at my age, I really do live with a strong awareness that my days are numbered. That does not cause me to be anxious or worried, but it does cause me to cherish my days and do things I might not have done years ago.
Today is Palm Sunday and only the second Palm Sunday in 40 years that I have not been preaching in some church. Instead I am missing a great Sunday service somewhere with the family of God.
Why? Where am I? Well, since life is fleeting, Jan and I decided that I (we) should spend a lot of money and a lot of travel time to enjoy wonderful family days in NYC and in Florida. These days with all three children and their wonderful spouses and children have been worth it.
I affirm this now as I have just begun what promises to be the longest trip in time and probably distance that I have ever taken. I will not bore you with the details, but here is the skeleton: left Vero Beach family home at 6:15 am this Sunday morning. My flight from Orlando to NYC is now delayed until 2:50 pm. From NYC to Rome, to Dubai, to Doha, to Ho Chi Minh. Included of course will be stops in four of those airports of 1 to 6 hours each. Arrival time (Florida time) Tuesday 8:00 am - 50 hours since leaving Vero Beach.
But since "life is fleeting"it has been worth it to see my children/grandchildren again. I hope you remember today and every day - life is fleeting, with God's eyes upon you, handle it with care.
I forget sometimes. On the other hand since my father died suddenly at age 60, I have always expected that the long life genes in Jan's family will cause her to outlive me by 20 years. So at my age, I really do live with a strong awareness that my days are numbered. That does not cause me to be anxious or worried, but it does cause me to cherish my days and do things I might not have done years ago.
Today is Palm Sunday and only the second Palm Sunday in 40 years that I have not been preaching in some church. Instead I am missing a great Sunday service somewhere with the family of God.
Why? Where am I? Well, since life is fleeting, Jan and I decided that I (we) should spend a lot of money and a lot of travel time to enjoy wonderful family days in NYC and in Florida. These days with all three children and their wonderful spouses and children have been worth it.
I affirm this now as I have just begun what promises to be the longest trip in time and probably distance that I have ever taken. I will not bore you with the details, but here is the skeleton: left Vero Beach family home at 6:15 am this Sunday morning. My flight from Orlando to NYC is now delayed until 2:50 pm. From NYC to Rome, to Dubai, to Doha, to Ho Chi Minh. Included of course will be stops in four of those airports of 1 to 6 hours each. Arrival time (Florida time) Tuesday 8:00 am - 50 hours since leaving Vero Beach.
But since "life is fleeting"it has been worth it to see my children/grandchildren again. I hope you remember today and every day - life is fleeting, with God's eyes upon you, handle it with care.
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