Clock is Ticking

It struck me today, how short life is. Last year, I knew of many people who died. Three people in their 40s were taken back to heaven, one after a lingering illness, the other two so suddenly. I was also talking to the caretaker of an internet cafe one time, she seemed healthy and eager to work and the next week she was gone.

Last year, my friends and I found ourselves hopping from one wake to another. It was surreal. There are lessons to be learned in witnessing these things.

You may have lost a loved one too last year. My deepest condolences. For us who are fortunate enough to live through this new decade, I wonder what we are going to do with the next 50 years of our lives.

Life is indeed short, my friend. The healthiest of us can live up to 90 years and more and more people fade away at the age of 70. I'm sorry to be talking about things like these at the start of the year but I believe it is always wise to begin with the end in mind. What will we be doing this year? Will it be spent on pursuing things that we must eventually leave behind? Will we be saying along with King Solomon in Ecclesiastes that life is useless?

Indeed, life is useless when it is lived only for one's self. When in the pursuit of success, we forget others. In the contentment and satisfaction of living our lives, we forget that there are people who need us in their poverty. Will we help them also achieve their dreams? Will the latest gadget received last Christmas be used for the good? Will it be used to love? Will things remain things, and people matter most?

Life is useful when it is used for a purpose. I believe only God can tell us what our purpose is in this world. It is always best to consult the Maker. It is beautiful to discover our purpose in His grace and live it accordingly since only then can our lives truly have meaning.

The clock is ticking. Are you doing the purpose for which you are made? I pray that you will discover it soon. May we live everday of our lives before it's too late.

At the end of it all, only love remains.

My prayer this year: Father, teach us to number our days aright, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.


Food for thought this week: Life is short, God's way of encouraging a bit of focus.  ~Robert Brault