Be Prepared

A lot can happen in a week's time. In the blink of an eye a life can be changed and in the span of a few hours, everything you knew can be gone. That happened this week for my family.

Last week Monday, my uncle, mom's younger brother, went to bed early because he wasn't feeling well. Tuesday morning when his wife went to wake him, Denny had gone on to his eternal home. At age 55, he was still working as a farm implement dealer and enjoyed watching his young grand kids.

Through the next few days and during the visitation and funeral, a common sentiment was how unexpected this was. It is true that we often expect people in good health to live well past retirement age into the 80's, 90's, or even more than a century. However, these losses serve as a reminder.

At any time, any age, any health, our time on earth can be complete. Everyone is part of the ultimate statistic, 10 out of 10 people will die. Some pass on after battling with cancer or other terminal illness while others don't make it home from work. Therefore, we must always be prepared.

Having finances and household affairs ready for someone else to take over is always a good idea. Making sure your life is prepared is another plan entirely. I have heard people say they will ask God for forgiveness when they are near the end of life. Knowing when that time is at hand is not guaranteed.

There have been times I haven't done as I should, letting work wait a day or not getting information out as quickly as possible. Asking God for a heart to do His will alone is something that cannot wait.

Living the quad life, I've seen many friends pass on with fewer years than I've been given. Before your, or my, time comes, be sure to take the time to repent of all sin (lying, theft, covetousness, etc.) and ask God for forgiveness. Then take what time you have left to fully live for Him.