So I Was Watching Oprah Yesterday....

So, I was watching Oprah yesterday as she had guests on her show who had all come face to face with life and death situations and survived to tell fascinating stories.

The first story was about two teenage boys who hiked a mountain while on vacation with their parents. Once they reached the top a storm came up quickly. As the boys tried to move back down the mountain, they were struck by lightning. But both boys survived.

The second story was about a couple who were vacationing in Colorado and as they drove down this mountain road their car was knocked over a guardrail by an avalanche. After tumbling down a mountain their car came to rest beside a tree buried in snow. They survived and live to tell the amazing story.

And the final story, Oprah interviewed a man who was one of only 58 survivors aboard an Asian airline that crashed at takeoff. The plane burst into flames and approximately 80 perished in the wreck.

Oprah asked each guest if coming that close to death caused them to look at life on earth a little different. Each guest said, "Absolutely."

You know the bible is full of metaphors that teach about the brief, temporary, transient nature of life on earth. Life is described as a mist, a fast runner, a breath, and a wisp of smoke. The bible says that our days on earth are as but a shadow (Job 8:9).

I personally believe that if we want to make the best use of our lives we must never forget two simple truths. First, compared with eternity, life is extremely brief. And second, earth is only a temporary residence. You won't be here long, so don't get too attached. The bible uses terms like alien, pilgrim, stranger, visitor, and traveler to describle our brief stay on earth.

So, with those things in mind, may I ask you a few questions? If you know life here on earth is quick what might you be doing differently? Would you love a little more? Would you extend grace and forgiveness a little more often, knowing you want the same from God? Would you try to be a better father, mother, husband, wife or example? Would you not put so much stock in those things that fade and more in those things which are eternal? Would you stop and enjoy each day that God has blessed you with instead of complaining about every little thing?

Well, this life is only temporary; we won't be here forever. So maybe it's time to be making arrangements for eternity. If you haven't, it's not too late. Just remember, "this world is not our home, we are just a passing through. Our treasures are laid up somewhere beyond the blue."

Have a good weekend and I can't wait to see you Sunday!

Love ya,
-Gregg