A Reminder over the Rockies (#282 of 365+)

“Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity… Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord's will is” (Ephesians 5:15-17)


Joni and her friend were on a plane flying over the Rocky Mountains when there was a sudden power failure. Turbulence only added to their mounting tension. They whispered prayers for themselves and the other passengers for several minutes. Finally, their pilot was able to make a safe emergency landing at a nearby airport.

It’s funny how a close encounter with death will always bring the most important things of life into focus. Joni and her friend immediately dropped whatever peripherals they had been thinking or talking about started preparing for eternity. I had that kind of moment once when I was in a car accident. Time seemed to slow down right before impact. The entire event lasted for only a few fleeting seconds but that’s all I needed for nothing else to matter anymore except my relationship with my God. In fact, I’m sure I even said his name a few times…

How different would I live this life if I always had that kind of attitude—that I could die at any moment? Since Jesus Christ is my Savior, I have the hope of eternal life and the thought of my own death isn’t dreadful at all. However if I believed the event of my death was imminent—which is quite possible—I think I would have so much more respect for every day, every moment with a loved one, and every opportunity to tell someone else about Jesus.

“Man's days are determined; you have decreed the number of his months and have set limits he cannot exceed” (Job 14:5)

“For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain” (Philippians 1:21)

Lord, may I not procrastinate anymore when I don’t even know what the deadline is. Help me to live and love every day as if it’s my very last one on the earth. Make every day count for eternity. Amen.