This week there was a tragic loss in a nearby town. A handsome, vibrant, 17 year old boy chose to end his life rather than face whatever tomorrow had in store. This sort of news is never easy to hear but it is especially lamentable when the life cut short was one so full of promise. He came from a well-respected and financial secure family. He was popular, smart and seemed to have everything going for him. Yet today he is no longer with us. How my heart aches for his family.

This shocking event has turned my thoughts to the brevity of life. We truly do not know when life will end for any of us. We all hope for a long and happy life but so often we see life end abruptly, unexpectedly. Yet we are constantly reminded in the Bible that life is short. James 4:14 tells us:

“For what is your life? It is even a vapor that appears for a little time and then vanishes away.”

Sobering words, I know. But we truly do not know how many days the Lord will bless us with. Christ frequently reminds us that we do not know when we will have to face eternity. Some may meet death, while others may live to see Christ’s return. Events like the tragic death of a young person remind us how suddenly life can end. We must strive to live every single day as if it were our last. Remember to serve God every day, don’t forget to let those you love know it, study your Bible and pray every day. For we do not know when we will be standing before our Creator and Judge.

Take ye heed, watch and pray: for ye know not when the time is.
For the Son of Man is as a man taking a far journey, who left his house, and gave authority to his servants, and to every man his work, and commanded the porter to watch.
Watch ye therefore: for ye know not when the master of the house cometh, at even, or at midnight, or at the cockcrowing, or in the morning:
Lest coming suddenly he find you sleeping.
And what I say unto you I say unto all, Watch.” Mark 13:33-37