Lord, what are human beings that you care for them, mere mortals that you think of them?  They are like a breath; their days are like a fleeting shadow.  Psalm 144:3-4


Life is short.  Even octogenarians would agree that life flies by at warp speed.  How many of us consider the brevity of our days?  I’m sure I didn’t until my 48-year-old brother Logan passed away suddenly.  Life quickly took on new meaning for me.

In Psalm 144, David realizes how fleeting life is.  He compares life to a mere shadow cast by the shining sun.  In the heat of the day, shadows lengthen and quickly fade.  Life on earth is also of short duration.  What life lessons can these evanescent shadows teach us?

For those of you who mourn the loss of someone you love, you understand how brief life can be.  Maybe you are in the throes of grief right now and grasping the future seems out of reach.  Part of my healing process has been to realize how quickly life on earth can end and the importance of “carpe diem”.  Seize the day.  Make the most of every minute.

Do you have a “bucket list”?  Are there dreams, goals, and activities on that list that need tending to before it’s too late?  On my bucket list, there are many activities and goals I’d like to accomplish and places to which I’d like to travel.  I’m so thankful that in the six years since Logan passed away, I’ve accomplished many things on my list.  I still have lots untouched on that list, but I’m making progress.  And as I do, I find healing.

Another lesson taught to me by the fleeting shadows of life is the importance of relationships.  Never take for granted the opportunity to spend time with those you love.  Make the most of the time you have with family and friends.  Before it’s too late.

Ecclesiastes 11:8a says “However many years anyone may live, let them enjoy them all.”  Some translations say “let them rejoice in them all”.  We don’t know how much time we each have left on planet earth.   Seize the day!  Enjoy life to the fullest.  Find joy even in small, everyday things.  Find joy in the goodness of the Lord.  And discover healing as you go.

Dear Jesus, thank You for the opportunities You give me each and every day.  Help me to “seize the day” and make the most of my time here on earth.  May I live, love, and honor You with all that I do.  In Your precious name I pray, Amen.

 
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Copyright © 2015 by Dawn Dailey.  All rights reserved.

All scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide. www.zondervan.com The “NIV” and “New International Version” are trademarks registered in the United States Patent and Trademark Office by Biblica, Inc.™

Gracious words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.  Proverbs 16:24

Words have the power to heal and the power to hurt.  We can use our words to build others up or to tear them down.  The Bible says when we use gracious words, we can bring about healing deep into the lives of other people.

What does it mean to use “gracious” words?  According to the dictionary, “gracious” means kind, courteous, merciful or compassionate.  When we use gracious words, we’re showing others the compassion and love of Jesus.

What about words from others to us?  When we’re grieving, we need to hear words of compassion.  All too often, though, well-intended words are hurtful or insensitive.  I doubt many people are comfortable around someone who has just lost a loved one.  These situations are so awkward.  People don’t know what to say but feel the need to say something anyway.  What comes out of their mouths may cause you pain.  Words like “it was his time” or “it was for the best”.  Even “you’ll see them in heaven” has a hollow ring to those who are grieving.  We need words of comfort, words of kindness, and words of mercy.  Words like “I’m sorry you are hurting.”  “I’m here for you.”  “I’m praying for you.”  “How can I help you?”  Practical assistance reinforces those kind words with meals, babysitting, cards, and flowers.

Even when those around us don’t understand the negative impact of their words, we can turn to the God of All Comfort whose grace and mercy is extended to all who believe.  Many of the Psalms bring words of encouragement.  Psalm 46:1 says “God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.”  In Psalm 63:8, we find the words “I cling to you; your right hand upholds me.”  If you are looking for words of healing, turn to the Book of Psalms.

Jesus also understands our pain because He lost loved ones, too.  Like His friend Lazarus.  Like His friend and cousin, John the Baptist.  Even when those around us don’t have the words we need for comfort, turn to Jesus and His word to us, the Bible.  May God whisper words of grace and love to you as you find comfort in Him.

Dear Jesus, I thank You for Your words of comfort to me.  I thank you especially for those You have placed in my life who do indeed know how to offer gracious words to me.  Help me forgive those who, however well-intended, say words that hurt me and cause me more pain.  May I become a person of gracious words who uses the power of my own words to help and encourage others.  In Your precious Name I pray, Amen.