Last Thursday, we had a big storm roll through the Mid-Atlantic states. Schools closed early in anticipation of the powerful winds and possible flash flooding. It’s always good when the media gets the word out, although sometimes they present things in a rather apocalyptic fashion. In my area, the storm caused little damage, and things got back to normal quickly. That was the case for most people, but not for everyone.
On Monday, one of the people from my church stopped by my office to talk. She asked me if I knew of any good counselors in our area, because one of her relatives needed to talk with someone. In the height of the storm four days earlier, there was a terrible accident, and someone was killed. Her relative was involved, and he needed some help in dealing with it. It wasn’t important who was at fault, the fact is someone lost their life. It happened in a split second. At least two families will never be the same, and time for them will be noted as either before or after the accident.
Gratefully, there are several wonderful counselors in our area, and I send people to them often. I passed on a couple of names to the lady who stopped by, and we ended our time in prayer, not only for the person who died, but also for their grieving family and all those affected.
I’m writing about this because I think it’s important for us to realize that life is short. We need to use whatever time we have wisely. Don’t put off for the future what you can do today. Most importantly, we need to be working on our relationship with God. His mercy is limitless, but we have to ask for it. He doesn’t force Himself on us, but He’s always available to those who call on Him.
As I’ve often written in this blog, one of the things about God I like best is that He’s a God of second (and third and fourth and…) chances. He doesn’t dwell on what we’ve done, but is excited about what we’ll do with His help. Each day as the sun comes up, He reminds us that He’s making all things new. Can you perceive it? (Isaiah 43:19)
Where are you today in your walk with the Lord?
