Revolutionary Leaders

Life is Fleeting

The Associated Press reported yesterday that Ashley Burns, 14, a high school freshman in Tewksbury, Massachusetts died after she was tossed in the air during a cheerleading routine and landed chest-down in her teammates' arms. (You can read the full story @ http://www.cnn.com/2005/US/08/10/cheerleader.death.ap/index.html)

I'm sure that Ashley woke up yesterday morning thinking that it would be a day just like any other day. She probably slept in a bit, maybe checked her email, listened to some music, and talked with her family before leaving for that fateful cheerleading practice. The thought never crossed her mind that today could be her last day on earth. Our hearts go out to her family and friends. Lord give them peace.

No one knows when their time will expire here on this earth. If we did, I imagine we would live life quite differently. King David new how fleeting his life was. Look at what he penned in Psalm 39:4-7.

4 "Show me, O LORD, my life's end and the number of my days; let me know how fleeting is my life. 5 You have made my days a mere handbreadth; the span of my years is as nothing before you. Each man's life is but a breath. Selah. 6 Man is a mere phantom as he goes to and fro: He bustles about, but only in vain; he heaps up wealth, not knowing who will get it. 7 "But now, Lord, what do I look for? My hope is in you.

What would you do if you discovered that today was your last day here on this earth? Why don't you pause for a moment and make a list. Here is a sample of mine.

- Cuddle with my wife and kids.
- Thank my parents for all they have done and tell them that I love them.
- Tell one more person about my life changing relationship with Jesus Christ.
- Fky to Chicago and eat dinner at Michael Jordan's resturant.

Now that we've made a list, the question to ponder is, why not do those things now? Why not live today like there is no tomorrow? What's stopping you? We would do well to live today as if it were our last. Lord, my hope is in You!