Here Today Gone Tomorrow.

by Cheryl L. Dunson

This year marked the 10th anniversary of my father’s homegoing, but it only seemed like yesterday when he passed from this life into the arms of Jesus. It made me mindful God is not limited by time, but I am.

During a recent Sunday school lesson, my teacher used a scripture to emphasize a thousand years are like a day to the Lord. In Psalm 90, Moses wrote, “For a thousand years in your sight are like a day that has just gone by or like a watch in the night. You sweep men away in the sleep of death; they are like new grass of the morning—though in the morning it springs up new, by evening it is dry and withered.”

In 2 Peter 3:8, we read, “But do not forget this one, dear friends: With the Lord a day is like a thousand years and a thousand years are like a day…”

One of my favorite songs is Who Am I by Casting Crowns. The first time I heard the song was shortly after my father died. The lyrics reduced me to tears because they reminded me how fleeting and fragile life truly is: “…I am a flower quickly fading, here today and gone tomorrow, a wave tossed in the ocean, a vapor in the wind…”

Realizing life is short should help us use the little time we have here on earth more wisely and for eternal good. One of the most profound moments in my life was when a local pastor told members of my Rotary Club, “You have been blessed to be a blessing.” Those words totally changed my perspective on life and how they compel me to ask myself on a daily basis, “What do I want to see happen in my life before I die? What small step or action can I take towards that purpose today? How can I use my blessings to bless others?”

Because our days are numbered, we should want to make our work count, to be effective and productive Christians. Life is short no matter how many years we live. It’s easy to be deceived into thinking we have lots of remaining time to live for Christ, enjoy our loved ones, or do what we know we should do.

Before he retired, my pastor eloquently reminded us to live for God today and do so with excellence. Then, no matter when our life ends, hopefully, we have fulfilled God’s plan for each of our lives.