Life is Temporary

Today marks two years since my dad passed away. Good thoughts and memories run through my mind, putting a smile on my face and tears in my eyes.  My dad was not perfect but we grew closer during the eleven months before he passed away.

Taking care of him was the hardest thing I have ever done. Cancer sucks. Without God, I couldn’t have done it. He gave me the strength to endure. It was hard to watch him deteriorate rapidly and need more and more help with things. He was very independent so he had a few meltdowns understandably. It was hard for him to accept his fate for a while. He didn’t want to die and he wanted people to remember him. He wanted to leave a legacy behind. So he wrote a blog sharing his journey with cancer and God with others.

My dad was very gifted with words. One of my favorite writings of his was his letter to me that he wanted me to open after he passed away. The letter was read at his Celebration of Life Ceremony. One of the funniest comments in the letter was when dad said he wanted me to try a dating site because I was still single! My dad had a great sense of humor! What he didn’t know is that one month and three weeks later I would start dating my future husband at church. The sweetest thing he said in the letter was how proud he was of me. He said now I will be the rock of the family. That’s a lot of pressure.

I learned a few things from this experience:
1. Life is temporary.
2. God can give you strength to overcome anything.
3. God cares deeply.
4. God can turn any mess into something for our eventual good.
5. What you do in this life is significant.

Life is so precious. It’s here today, gone tomorrow. On days like today, I am reminded that this is not my home. I have a future hope in the Lord with spending eternity with Him and my family in Christ. Whatever you are facing today, remember that God is always there by your side. He is a good Father who loves us dearly.

Join me in doing your best to not get caught up in the busyness of life and forget what truly matters. Strive to help others and love them as God loves you. You have two options: you can leave a legacy of life or a legacy of death here on earth. A legacy of death meaning you bring more harm than good to others. I choose to leave a legacy of life and life to the fullest with Christ’s help! I want to encourage others through the ups and downs in life. What do you choose?

A Prayer for You
Lord thank You for loving me and giving me an opportunity to live life. No matter what I face, I trust that You are working things out for my good, even when I can’t see it. We love You and give You all the praise in the good times and in the bad. In Your Son, Jesus’ name, amen!