The Last Time Ever

Sunday my pastor said something that sent my mind a whirling. It was in effect, “You always remember the last time you ever spoke or saw someone, but you never realize it is the last time when it is happening.”

How true!

Funny how we are still amazed at the brevity of life. We shouldn’t be; long ago God numbered our days.

    “And the LORD said, ‘My Spirit shall not strive with man forever, for he is indeed flesh; yet his days shall be one hundred and twenty years.’” (Genesis 6:3)

Did you know that there was a 100% certainty that all people will die? What is not certain is the timing of death. Some live long lives while others have their lives snuffed out seemingly too early.

    “Indeed, You have made my days as handbreadths, and my age is as nothing before You; certainly every man at his best state is but vapor. Selah” (Psalm 39:5)

We are but vapor at best and yet we live as though we are immortal. And in most cases that causes us to waste much time chasing corruptible earthly things when we should be pursuing incorruptible heavenly riches. Imagine all your years being counted as only labor and sorrow:

    “For we have been consumed by Your anger, and by Your wrath we are terrified. You have set our iniquities before You, our secret sins in the light of Your countenance. For all our days have passed away in Your wrath; we finish our years like a sigh. The days of our lives are seventy years; and if by reason of strength they are eighty years, yet their boast is only labor and sorrow; for it is soon cut off, and we fly away.” (Psalm 90:7-10)

I remember the last time I either saw or talked to my grandmother, mother, father, sister, and son. My grandmother I had the feeling it was actually going to be the last time I ever saw here; I just had a feeling. And my dear sister Kathy was dying of cancer and I knew the last time I saw her it would indeed be the last, as it was with my friend Dino.

However, for most of us, and as was the case with my Mom, Dad, and Eddie, I did not realize when I hung up the phone that was the last time I would ever speak with them. Thankfully all three conversations were delightful and full of love; no angst, no strife. I don’t have to look back on those conversations and think; if only I would have told them I love them. Glory to God I have no regrets.

What if we approached our relationships as the last time ever? How would that change our behavior? No I’m not suggesting we hug and say I love you because this might be the last time we ever see each other. No, that would be silly; only the last part that is. But to hug someone and say I love you is always a good way to end a visit. To tell someone you love them before you hang up the phone is a wonderful way to end a conversation.

Do you have loved ones still alive today that you haven’t spoken to in years? Perhaps it was a hurt unjustified; a betrayal unimaginable; no matter the offense, are you prepared to make that the last time ever? No one is promised tomorrow…

    “As for man, his days are like grass; as a flower of the field, so he flourishes. For the wind passes over it, and it is gone, and its place remembers it no more.” (Psalm 103:15-16)

In Christ
Dave
Ps. 37:4

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    Copyright © 2010 David Jeffers

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