Embrace Life

As a person who grew up in the tornado alley of the south, I've seen the aftermath of many tornadoes. I try to refrain from using hate as a descriptive term, but tornadoes are one of the few exceptions.

I hate them. 

To me, they are satan in the form of wind. They destroy, kill, wound, and cause anguish--just like the devil who prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.

The reminder that life is short came in the form of a monster tornado yesterday. Adults who went to work and children who entered their school buildings, fully expecting to return home at the end of the day, did not make it. Their time here on earth is over.

You are left standing there in shock. No matter the amount of time that passes, your heart aches because you know life will never be the same again this side of heaven. 

You aren't alive very long before becoming well-acquainted with death.

This is not a dress rehearsal. Yet, we so often live each day as if we are guaranteed many more years.

  Satan deceives us into believing we have plenty of time.

We don't.

Aside from those alive on earth when the Lord returns, the majority of people will die. And of those who face death, many will never see it coming. Some people have time to prepare, such as in the case of a lengthy illness, but most do not get that opportunity.

At some point, we will all walk out our front doors and never come back. This is not an attempt to be depressing, nor am I stating it out of fear. It is merely a recognition of the facts.

With that in mind, how should we be living now?

Slamming doors, yelling, being disrespectful, and criticizing within our homes?

Gossiping, complaining, and being lazy at work?

Existing in a state of stress, anxiety, and fear?

Placing value on material possessions?

Rushing and hurrying, frantic to get that to-do list checked off?

No.

Instead of merely existing and behaving as if we have all the time in the world, let us: 

Tell people the good news of Christ Jesus.

Hold fast to our family and friends. 

Appreciate and be thankful.

Build homes of peace, understanding, laughter, and fun--places where when people enter, they know they are loved, no doubt. 

Say "I love you". 

When my family ends phone conversations with each other, we always say, "Love you". It's been that way as long as I can remember. Make sure the last words people hear from you are spoken in love.

Simplify.

Calm down.

Slow down.

Be kind.

Serve.

Be merciful and compassionate. 

Be aware.

Laugh--a lot. Laugh so hard you snort, or happy tears stream down your face. 

Offer forgiveness.

Reflect.

Start today on the path to a goal, dream, or adventure.

Be fully alive in each moment--joy, sorrow, disappointment, excitement; whatever it is, be there.

Death will still come. An awful, aching hole will be left. You will miss the person so deeply, it will feel as if the light will never return. It won't make sense. It will feel unfair. It will hurt.

But, you can rest assured that a life of joy and gratitude was well-lived, embraced, and enjoyed. 

Children understand this concept with a clarity lost on most adults.

This is it. Make it count.

You do not know what tomorrow will bring. What is your life? For you are a mist that appears for a little time and then vanishes. -James 4:14

The years of our life are seventy, or even by reason of strength eighty; yet their span is but toil and trouble; they are soon gone, and we fly away...So teach us to number our days that we may get a heart of wisdom. -Psalm 90:10, 12

The residents of Oklahoma and all those affected by the storms are in my prayers.
God feels our pain. May He wrap us in the comfort of His presence, providing a peace that passes understanding.