Life Is Short

We all have good plans for ourselves, our departments and our institutions. However, we must remember that time is fleeting. We do not know how many more years will be given to us. We often promise ourselves to do many things in the future, but it may be too late by then. Our opportunity in this world to do something of eternal value recedes with each passing day. We should, therefore, invest every moment doing what God wants us to do and not wander away from His paths.

One night, 10 years ago, returning from a long drive after performing surgeries, I was walking up the steps to my home in the dark when I had a heart attack. I could not take one step forward, could not cry out for help, but miraculously crawled up all the steps unaided to collapse on our verandah. The drug required to treat me was not available and by the time it was brought, it was too late. My heart did not recover and works at 30 percent ejection fraction. I nearly died that day, and God reminded me of how short life is.

We should constantly be aware of the relentless passage of time. Every day, we hear the news of people who have been snatched away in their youth, yet we plan and live our lives as if we are guaranteed a long life. We are tempted to stray from God’s paths as we see the glitter of this world; but we can’t afford to wander.

We have only one life and it will soon be past. Many years have already flown away, probably wasted. Let us take stock of our lives today. Are course corrections required? What welcome will we receive if we were to meet Him today?

Let us ask God to reveal what He wants us to do with our lives and move steadfastly towards that goal, letting go of all distractions. Let us live to please our Commanding Officer.

Help me Lord, to count my days and make them worthwhile in Your sight. Amen