LIFE IS BRIEF
As human beings, our life spans on this earth are brief compared to all of time. The scripture puts it this way:
Psalm 144:4 (CSB)
A human is like a breath;
his days are like a passing shadow.
SOME LIVES SEEM TOO BRIEF
Some people live to be 100, but that is probably rare. When a child’s life ends it is hard to accept or understand. My own father was a few months younger than I am right now when he died. His time on this earth was brief.
I wish I had spent more time learning about his life and our ancestors.
He never got to meet all his grandchildren or any of his great grandchildren. My dad loved life and he loved his family. I love his smile. Whenever I had a problem he was always ready to help. His kindness was known by many. He is greatly missed.
Because some lives seem cut short, does that mean we should worry about how long we have? It’s sobering to think that our brief lives could end at any time. We often go through our days as if we have all the time in the world. Maybe we should think about how we live, but worrying won’t help at all.
Luke 12:25 (CSB)
Can any of you add one moment to his life span by worrying?
We don’t know our own lifespan, but God does. He also knows the number of hairs on our heads.
God knows us well and loves us, too. Maybe, instead of worrying, we can think about the good we can do right where we are. We can look for the beautiful gifts God gives to us each day of our lives.
HOW TO LIVE WHILE DYING
Some people do get a diagnosis that tells them they don’t have much time to live. My friend, Andrew, is dying of cancer, yet he never fails to encourage and inspire with the wisdom and vulnerability he shares through his blog.
He writes even when in pain and never fails to encourage and bless those who read.
Andrew’s words always bless me. He certainly lives out the following scripture on a daily basis.
Ephesians 5:15-16(CSB)
Pay careful attention, then, to how you live—not as unwise people but as wise—making the most of the time, because the days are evil. So don’t be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is.
And don’t get drunk with wine, which leads to reckless living,but be filled by the Spirit: speaking to one another in psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs, singing and making music with your heart to the Lord, giving thanks always for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, submitting to one another in the fear of Christ.
This is Day 24 of the Five Minute Friday 31 Days of Free Writes. The word prompt is brief.
To read the other posts in this series click on: 31 Days of Encouragement.
I’m linking up with: #HeartEncouragement, #TuneInThursday
So many unexpected deaths for me this year. Your words were a gift tonight friend!
Much love to you, dear Tara. This is not exactly what I was going to write about, but God took me in that direction. I’m so glad you were blessed! God works in amazing ways. xoxo
This is so beautiful, Gayl. The color of that lavendar so full of God’s goodness. I am sorry you lost your Dad so young. You are right that life is so precious. I got a quiet morning to run surrounded by God’s beauty this morning and it helped turn my heart to thankfulness for who God is.
A couple of days ago my heart hurt watching all these grandparents with their grandkids. Not so much for me, but for my sisters, whose kids Mum has never gotten to hold and love on. I treasure those almost four years Mum showered love on our two girls, who were 3 and 1 when Mum went to heaven. And I wish I could give that to my sisters. I never thought she would leave us at only 59.
Thank you, Anna! I love the lavender, too. It’s such a beautiful color and I love the sunset at the top. I’m so glad your discouragement turned to thankfulness. A morning run seems like it would a beautiful time. Wow, your mom did leave at such a young age. It’s hard when you lose a parent so early.
Blessings, hugs and love to you, dear Anna! xoxo
Wise words, Gayl. Especially these ones: “Life is short. Take every step with your destination in mind.” We are meant to live with a heavenly perspective, making each day count. Because every day and each breath we take is a gift of grace. Yet so few of us seek to live like this. We worry and fret over minutiae and forget to be thankful for everything. Thank you for this beautiful reminder. I am loving what these daily prompts are drawing out of you, my friend! xoxo
Thank you, Joy. Sometimes I forget that we need to make every day count. Yes, each breath a gift of grace. I need to remind myself as much as anyone else. It’s easy to start to worry, and we have to remember that God’s got it all under control. These daily prompts have been so good for me. And sometimes I end up at a very different place than what my original thoughts were. This month has really stretched me as far as my writing goes. Thanks so much for your friendship and your encouragement, dear Joy. Blessings, love and hugs to you! xoxo
Dear Gayl,
These are such precious words of comfort in all of our hurting and anxious days. Truly God does know the number of our days, even when those we love are taken too soon for our wanting. He holds our days still. I am so thankful that God had these beautiful art pages & photos waiting when He took your thoughts this direction today. Our destination is to HIM also, and may I give all my days more fully to Him. Love and hugs to you Dear Sister! xoxo
Dear Bettie,
Thank you for all your encouragement and prayers. Yes, He holds us even when we face grief and pain. I have been surprised at how well some of the art I did a few years ago has fit in with many of the word prompts this month. It’s exciting to think that God knew back then I would need them at this time. Of course, I’ve one a few new ones, too, but that’s because I need to continue creating. 🙂 It’s also interesting to me how I can start off with something in mind and then have it go a little differently than I had planned. But when I read comments of others, I see why God led me in a certain direction. He’s so good! Blessings, love and hugs to you, dear sister! xoxo
Thank you, sweet Gayl, for the wonderful reminder that we should look for the beautiful gifts God gives to each of us every day in life! ❤
YOU are one of God’s beautiful gifts in mine!
I love you! XO
Thank you, Peggi, for visiting and being such an encourager and faithful friend. You are a gift in my life, too! Blessings, love and hugs, dear sister! xoxo
Hi Gayl, I love the purples, and the seat, so royal. I’m sure your father was a nice man, such a happy picture. Your post is thought provoking, I pray for people all the time. I have seen healing so many times, but also His mercy. Only a month ago I lost a friend to cancer at 51, she was a prayer warrior but a third battle left her weary. I was finding it hard to pray the following week but I did because it is needed, it is asked for and appreciated. And it changes things, life is precious, much too short to waste with worry and fear, what others think, quarreling, etc. Thanks for the reminder to appreciate life, and abundant life in Him.
Thank you, Rebecca. Yes, my father was a kind man. Like you said, sometimes it is hard to pray, but we do it because we need to. May we always remember to appreciate the life He has given us, and pray rather than worry. Blessings to you!
Beautiful reminders of how important it is to live in the moment. All we have is right now to encourage and love each other. #HeartEncouragement
Thank you! It’s true that we don’t know how long we have together with others. May we remember to make use of the time we have right now. Thanks so much for visiting, Brittany. Blessings to you!
This is amazingly beautiful! Love what you are doing with the collages. Want to do some again some day.
Karen
Karen, thank you so much! Collages are so much fun and relaxing, too. Thanks for visiting. Blessings to you! xo
I can’t imagine a better way to write on the subject of “brief.” It was impacting! I love the poster, “Life is short, take every step with your destination in mind!”
Thank you so much, Sharon, for your encouragement. Blessings to you!