Living intentionally

Over the past couple of weeks, we have had two funerals at the church. One of those funerals was for a 22 year old young man. He died in a motorcylce accident. His father gave one of the best eulogies I have ever heard. He talked about how his son knew the Lord, how he loved life, and how he "lived" life to the fullest. He didn't apologize for wanting to celebrate his son's life in the midst of such grief.

Yes, he talked about how he has grieved and fallen on the floor crying, but he said he was determined not to be angry at God. He was determined to make sure that everyone at the funeral knew why he could still have hope in the midst of such a devasting loss to him and his family. He talked about salvation.

 Anyone who sat through that service got to hear a great message for how to receive Jesus Christ as their Lord and Saviour. He did not sugar coat it or water the Gospel message down because he wanted everyone to know that if they would accept Jesus as their Lord and Saviour they would see his son again in heaven. We went on to talk about our lives on this earth only being seconds compared to eternity. He explained how our souls are eternal and that we only have a shell called a body that we live in on this earth and how this body will pass away, but our soul will live on in eternity. He stated that we have a choice to make as to where we want to spend eternity.

Then he sat down and the pastor who was a friend of the family got up to speak. And he talked about how this man raised his sons. How everyone respected his sons. How he chose to spend less time at work and more time with his family when the sons were very young so that he could help to make an impact on their lives as their father.

And then I didn't have to wonder how, in the midst of so much grief, this man could still have the strength and the hope that he shared. This man lived his life intentionally. He was determined to be the Godly father that he was called to be and I believe he was thankful for the 22 years that he was able to share with his son, even though his sons life was cut short according to our human standards. According to God's we are not guaranteed one more breath.

So after this week of tornado damage in Oklahoma, where lives have been lost, some cut way to short, take a few minutes to reflect on our lives. Reflect on how "intentional" we are living our lives, as fathers, mothers, brothers, sisters, grandmas and grandpas, sons and daughters. We only have so much time on this earth to make a difference for the kingdom. We are not guaranteed one more breath. Be strong and courageous. Share the hope for which you have in you.

2nd Corinthians 3:12 "Therefore, having such a hope, we use great boldness."