But a Breath

While I draw this fleeting breath, when my eyes shall close in death

When I rise to worlds unknown, and behold Thee on Thy throne

Rock of Ages cleft for me, let me hide myself in Thee
(Rock of Ages, Augustus Toplady, Thomas Hastings)

Fleeting breath. How often do I think in those terms? Sure, I know each day is numbered, each moment precious, each breath fleeting, but it is not often foremost in my thoughts, causing my words and actions to line up accordingly. I don't know how long I will be on this earth, and yet I don't always appreciate the here-and-now. I don't consistently live with the urgency that I ought. An urgent, heavenward view should be my focus.

News of an unexpected death has the incomparable ability to shake a person into eternal thinking.

I received such news this past week, and have spent the last few days processing memories and grief. Life never seems to be complete to us here on earth, but in truth God has already numbered our days before we were even born (Psalm 139:16)! Nothing is unexpected to Him. As I sorted through the shock of this friend's passing I felt pressed to live my fleeting moments with God-given urgency. May God fill me with a gentle spirit that all can see (Philippians 4:5), grant me His wisdom to make the most of my time (Ephesians 5:15-16), and give me boldness to speak the truth in love (Ephesians 4:15). And may I seek the things above (Colossians 3:1-2), because only a proper perspective of heaven will cause me to live this life to the fullest.

And Lord, haste the day when my faith shall be sight

The clouds be rolled back as a scroll

The trump shall resound, and the Lord shall descend

Even so, it is well with my soul

(It is Well with my Soul, Horatio Spafford, Philip Bliss)