Like a mist?

Scriptures: What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. (James 4:14)

A sister in our church went home to be with the Lord last week. On the Saturday before last, she was not feeling well. By Sunday night, she was really uncomfortable. So her son took her to the emergency room. By midnight that night, she was admitted into ICU.

Monday was a busy day for her. She went through exams and tests all day long. Still, in spite of her pain, she talked to visitors and was able to cooperate with medical staff treating her with smiles, doctors and nurses alike. They suspected something to do with cancer, but nothing concrete.

On Tuesday morning, she was talking to the nurse at about 7 am in good spirit. But, by 8 am, she had gone home to be with the Lord. From the time she checked into the hospital till the time she left to be with our Lord, it was not even 36 hours. People were shocked because everything happened so fast!

Some, like our pastor, got the news Monday and were able to go to see her that very day. Others did not get the news of her sickness until later Monday and were thinking about going to see her the next day. But, they were only able to see her family in grief and shock, not her.

Many grieved the loss of a bright and helpful sister. Youth remembered how thoughtful she was to them in her selfless giving of time and energy for them. Others remembered how wisely she had been in affirmation of others’ gifts and contributions. Still others simply immersed themselves in the loving moments they shared in life.

In the reception after the memorial service, I asked a doctor sitting next to me his thoughts on possible causes for her death as it was still unknown, he sighed and simply said, “It’s God’s timing.” Upon hearing that, everyone around the table fell silent. I couldn’t help remembering what James said in his epistle, “What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes.” (James 4:14)

It’s sobering to be reminded of our vulnerability and of that we can be called back home at a moment’s notice. But, something her son said in the service stuck to my mind. He said, “With my Mom’s personality, I am sure she would want this occasion to be one celebrating her life for she was that kind of person, passionate to people, always making friends and helping friends.”

Yes, we are vulnerable. Yes, we can be called to go home at an age, a place, and a time least expected. But, this sister made good use of her life, giving others the love, affirmation, and herself so others felt at home with others, with themselves, and most importantly, with God.

I don’t know if she had any regret before she left. But I do know many of us had the regret that we did not go to see her the minute we heard about her sickness. Yet, through it all, even in her memorial service, I was continued to be blessed by her life of loving and compassion.

As a Christian, we all know that death is not the end. It’s actually a door for us to that eternal blessing of being with our Lord and our loved ones. But, more than this, I think death can be a reminder and an encouragement that, though the timing of God is still unknown to us, the people around us are known to us. Our challenge is not how much time still left. Our challenge is how much are we doing with those around us.

Jesus’ life and death became the good news we are to preach to the end of the world. If we make the best use of ours, like this sister, our lives can be testimonies to this good news and, when that call comes to get us home, we will be able to leave a life to be thankful for and to be celebrated, too!

Prayer Request:
For those who are searching for a closure because they lost their loved ones to illness unknown

Prayers:

Gracious Lord, there are many things in life that we do not understand. But, we are thankful that, when the impact of losing a loved one seems to be overwhelming, You held us in Your arms, carried us through, and gave us strength to endure it. Please help us to remember those who mourn and to be moved by the Holy Spirit to bring Your comfort to them. This we pray in the name of Jesus, our Lord and Maker, A-men!