Life is But a Vapor

Life goes by so quickly. The hours, days, months, and years slip by. Life is, but a vapor here today, and gone tomorrow. We never know what will be our tomorrow. The bible says in 2nd Corinthians 5:8 ” To be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord”.

To live intentional is so important, and I’m learning that everyday. To make time to enjoy the little moments in life that we have been given. To slow down from all life’s hustle and bustle. The house will be there waiting to be cleaned, the dishes can wait, the laundry pile won’t go anywhere, and the dust will stick until you decide to dust. We run around in such a hurry everyday, walking in frantic circles to see how much we can accomplish. But in the end does it really matter; the cycle just repeats with or without you being present.

Take the time to enjoy each moment. Take time for your children, your parents, friends, family, and acquaintances. Because soon children grow so fast, and they will be grown in just one blink. I know that the first year after my daughters birth went by as the year was almost one long day. Take the time to make that one phone call or to mail that late Father’s card. It’s the thought that counts . There may not be much time but make time for all those near and dear to your heart. We are never promised a minute into tomorrow. Everyday we awaken to a new morning is the biggest blessing from God. Then we can begin again.

This is what I have taken from the experience of losing my Dad suddenly. My mind always drifts back to my last Christmas with him Christmas of 2016. This was our last visit as a family. Carl and I had went in a few days for Christmas like always not knowing it’d be the last with my Dad. I know we had a few Big breakfasts, and everyone knows the old wives tale that if you eat all your food it’ll be a sunny day. We sat around talking, yammering, and at times fussing at one another. My Dad and I was maybe somewhat alike and we were always debating to be right no matter what it was. We always had math, and history challenges since those were his favorite subjects in school.

I remember he joked asking ” You don’t have a bun in the oven yet do ya”. At that time our journey to have children had only been 4 months since a prophetic word had been spoken over our lives. I replied, ” No Dad”. I know he would have been an amazing Grand Dad. He loved children.

I know we took pictures as always , and opened presents. I can’t even remember if the snow had falling. I always love to see the snow and have the feel of Christmas. It wasn’t maybe a day or so after that we said our goodbyes and see you later. And we would be off to travel back home; to Ohio.

The image still burns in my mind the last day of our visit. When I hugged Dad tight standing on that old wooden colorless porch. I recall him wearing a thermal hooded jacket with blue, and grey checked design with maroon joggers. Some of his favorite attire. Mom always tried to keep the paint on but it always chipped away and lost it’s color.

I hugged him tight said “I love you Dad, and see you later”. I remember him standing close to the edge of the porch with maybe a cigarette in his hand, and waving bye with the other. As we drove around the curve shaded over with trees, tooted our horn and sped on by. I never new it would be the last day , last visit, and last of all the last Christmas; And the last farewell goodbye. The last day on this side of eternity.

We talked some over the phone, but not enough. Our relationship was getting better but didn’t have the time to grow into what it should have been. I always wish I could hear his voice one last time. He always knew what to say or had wise advice.

My Dad was always a hard worker sacrificing his time to provide for his family with a giving heart. In the last two years of his life the Lord dramatically changed his journey. He went from a man that was troubled and in pain constantly numbing his pain with an alcoholic beverage. To a person with a clean life, spending time with others in the community food bank to give, and gather food. He was doing the work of the Father, and of course had others in his life shining their light for God. This was what changed his path.

I’m so thankful that three days before the Lord called him home. He watched a Joel Osteen broadcast, and said the sinners prayer not knowing he was headed home. He received Christ on a Sunday, and on a late Wednesday night he slipped from this life into the next. His eternal home.

Do you ever question where eternity will be if you slipped away today. It says in Romans 10:13 ” Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved”. Just accept Jesus as your Lord and Savior inviting him to live in your heart. Believe that he died, and arose again on the third day. Knowing that he died for you; ask him to wash and cleanse your heart as far as the East is from the West. It’s that simple just the whisper of his name and you shall be saved.

What a reunion it will be on the other side. So why do we fear death? The bible says in 1st Cor. 15:55 Where Oh Death is your sting? We lay this life down to be ever present with the Lord. What a sweet day that will be! Reuniting with our loved ones on the other side.