A Short Life

Job 14:1-2 (NLT)

1 “How frail is humanity! How short is life, how full of trouble! 2 We blossom like a flower and then wither. Like a passing shadow, we quickly disappear.

Man is of few days. Life is here computed, not by months or years, but by days, for we cannot be sure of any day but that it may be our last. These days are few, fewer than we think of, few at the most, in comparison with the days of the first patriarchs, much more in comparison with the days of eternity, but much fewer to most, who come short of what we call the age of man. [Matthew Henry Commentary]

I once heard a doctor say, “We do not come into this world stamped with an expiration date. Only God knowns when our time is drawing to an end.” I have watched family, friends, and others I know pass away unexpected. Some lived a good long life, while others lived a full amount of years, but did not benefit in the pleasure of retirement. Some lived so long their minds were sharp, but their bodies frail.

Some friends died in car wrecks. Some friends died due to suicide. Some friends died of cancer. Some died accidentally. It does not matter how they died, it is still a tragic moment. Family and friends mourn their loss as they are no longer there. It is sad, very sad indeed.

My mother-in-law is slowly fading away from dementia. First she was forgetful, then she became paranoid and even unreasonable. Then she began to forget and not even speak much. It’s not her we see now, but instead it is only a shadow of her that remains. The body is fading with the mind. She no long can get out of bed. She sleeps 20 or more hours a day. She has lost her appetite, but occasionally perks up enough to eat and drink a little. It is painful watching a loved one slowly disappear. You want to do all you can, you want them with you, but you also know once they are gone they will have peace.

My father-in-law made an interesting comment. He said, “If I had only realized how short life is, I would have realized how silly all the arguments and disappointments in life were.” It is so true. Life is short and we should cherish ever moment we have with every family member and friend; for we do not know when they will be gone. Enjoy life, enjoy the moments together for they can fade away at any time.

I am thankful God established a plan of eternal life through His Son Jesus Christ. For we know that those who are in Christ will be with Christ and if we too are in Christ we will be reunited with those we love.