Only One Life: A Tribute

“It is better to go to the house of mourning, than to go to the house of feasting: for that is the end of all men; and the living will lay it to his heart. Sorrow is better than laughter: for by the sadness of the countenance the heart is made better” — Ecclessiates 7:2-3.

“Please, let me go home!”

The death of a loved one can have a two-fold impact on us: it can be a season of great trial of faith and sorrow, or a time to experience deep humility and perspective. Both are important for us and serve their purposes. Death calls us to be humble, to ponder and reflect on the things that REALLY matter in the end.

Two weeks ago, I was on a business trip when a close Christian brother was called to glory after a brief battle with ill-health. A pianist in my local church in Essen, he was well-loved for his charisma, warm aura and committment to helping our children learn multiple musical instruments.

I witnessed part of his final hour over the phone. As he battled the excrutiatng pain, I could hear him muster enough strength to repeat the words: “Please, let me go home!”. Forty minutes later, the Lord decided it was enough

While I must admit our sadness and heavy hearts, we are comforted by the impact of his life.

Only one life!

As we prepare to bury our brother in Christ this week, I’m reminded of the understated obvious — life is too short!. Life is indeed a vapour and no other experience reminds us of that reality the way death does.

We don’t get a second chance to make life right; all we have is now.

Death gives us perspective and compels us to be retrospective. In the end, our career and personal pursuits count for nothing, unless we live with eternity in view.

Today, I challenge you to pause and think about your life; how you’re living it and for what purpose.

Live each day like it’s your last. Live with eternity in view and don’t waste your life. Remember,

“Only one life; ’twill soon be past, only what’s done for Christ will last.”

I welcome your prayers for his family and our local church in Essen (Germany) this week as we honour the life and memory of our dear brother. God bless you.

Image courtesy of Ollie Lansdowne