Monday, November 8, 2010

Life is but a breath


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.
(Psalms 39:5 NIV)

Look down at your hands. A handbreadth is the width of your hand, or about four inches. That is the comparison used in the verse above to measure our days of life here on earth. In the overall scheme of things our handbreadth of time allotted to life on this planet doesn't seem all that significant, but it is. We matter. What we do matters. How we treat others matters. We may not even see it in our lifetime, but choices we make and actions we take can create ripples of response through generations of folks we will never meet.

Our women's Bible study group is finishing up Kelly Minter's "Ruth" study. It has been a wonderful study and we have all really enjoyed it. Using Ruth as an example, she was foreigner with no position among the Israelites. Ruth was faithful and kind to her mother-in-law, Naomi. Ruth's actions and noble character caught the eye of Boaz and eventually they marry. Ruth ultimately became King David's great grandmother and is listed in the genealogy of Jesus in the book of Matthew. This humble woman with no status, no husband, no money and no hope persevered through some amazingly tough times. Her obedience and faithfulness to both God and Naomi created the line that birthed our Savior! She couldn't have known that at the time, just as we will never be sure what our short lives will create for future generations.

We are given such a short time here. Use it wisely- try not to fritter it away, squander it or take it for granted. Take time every day to love on your family - hug your kids and your spouse and give the dog and extra scratch behind the ears. Any day could be your last... or theirs. We are given a finite number of days here to make a difference, create a legacy of love and to leave memories that will last a lifetime. Bitterness, anger and indifference should not have control of our days. Life is too short to hold on to all the ugly stuff. Embrace joy, love, laughter, kindness and peace!

"Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you." (Ephesians 4:31-32)

 

This is currently one of my favorite songs. I would like to share with you. It is by the group Revive and it is called "Blink" and has some very powerful lyrics.  I hope you enjoy it. 

 In His Peace -  




2 comments:

  1. Loved the Ruth study...and I've been reminded this past year of how fleeting our time is as my dad has battled cancer...

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  2. Allison,

    So sorry your family is on this roller coaster ride of cancer. It is a tough battle for all involved. Certainly a daily reminder of how precious life is.

    God be with you.

    Nancy

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