My friend saved someone’s life the other day. I happened upon the scene a few minutes after the man regained a pulse. As word spread it was this strange mix of shock, awe, and joy as we received news that the man was indeed stable. It was definitely a reminder of our mortality. My friend, who has a medical background, was in the right place at the right time. As I traced back the steps that led both of these men to meet that morning, I could see God’s design. It was subtle, but just one different decision from either of them and the morning could have had a different outcome.
God knows our complete story but at the same time we have free will. There are times in my life I have felt drawn to do something out of routine and that decision to follow that gentle nudge led me to being at the right place at the right time. Branden’s death was so unexpected and I cannot put into adequate words what shock does to you physically and mentally. (I have this urge to apologize to anyone who talked to me in the days after his death. I feel like I said some weird things.) However, I can see how God placed people and events in my path that eased me into this new phase of life.
I discovered the practice of Memento Mori a few years back. It means to remember your death. By focusing on the fact that we are going to die, it should lead to living each day in the best way possible. Live like you’re dying. But I am not talking about skydiving and Rocky Mountain climbing. I mean, it’s cool if you want to do all that but I am looking a little deeper.
We are all going to meet God face to face and we need to be prepared for that. We know neither the day nor the hour. This is not a drill so live life with meaning. Learn to be quiet and listen to God’s voice. It is so easy to be distracted by the world and chaos around us. Ask yourself what will really matter on your last day on Earth. Are the things you complain about in your daily life really important in the grand scheme of things? Do you want to be remembered for the way you are living your life right now? Are you growing closer to God and bringing your family and friends along with you?
A man’s life was saved this past Sunday. It was a message for all of us there that day to contemplate our life. I felt the need to write about it to send the same message to all who read this. Bad things happen and it hurts. It’s natural to want answers and to ask why. But, that can lead to spiraling in circles of confusion. I am purposefully choosing to ask “What now?” I want to seek God’s voice to lead me to the right place at the right time.
God knows our complete story but at the same time we have free will. There are times in my life I have felt drawn to do something out of routine and that decision to follow that gentle nudge led me to being at the right place at the right time. Branden’s death was so unexpected and I cannot put into adequate words what shock does to you physically and mentally. (I have this urge to apologize to anyone who talked to me in the days after his death. I feel like I said some weird things.) However, I can see how God placed people and events in my path that eased me into this new phase of life.
I discovered the practice of Memento Mori a few years back. It means to remember your death. By focusing on the fact that we are going to die, it should lead to living each day in the best way possible. Live like you’re dying. But I am not talking about skydiving and Rocky Mountain climbing. I mean, it’s cool if you want to do all that but I am looking a little deeper.
We are all going to meet God face to face and we need to be prepared for that. We know neither the day nor the hour. This is not a drill so live life with meaning. Learn to be quiet and listen to God’s voice. It is so easy to be distracted by the world and chaos around us. Ask yourself what will really matter on your last day on Earth. Are the things you complain about in your daily life really important in the grand scheme of things? Do you want to be remembered for the way you are living your life right now? Are you growing closer to God and bringing your family and friends along with you?
A man’s life was saved this past Sunday. It was a message for all of us there that day to contemplate our life. I felt the need to write about it to send the same message to all who read this. Bad things happen and it hurts. It’s natural to want answers and to ask why. But, that can lead to spiraling in circles of confusion. I am purposefully choosing to ask “What now?” I want to seek God’s voice to lead me to the right place at the right time.
Thank you, Beth - God Bless YOU!
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