James 4:13-15

13 Go to now, ye that say, To day or to morrow we will go into such a city, and continue there a year, and buy and sell, and get gain: 14 Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away. 15 For that ye ought to say, If the Lord will, we shall live, and do this, or that.

I’ve attended several funeral/memorial services in the last week.  One whose life on this earth a mere 20 years, the other living for nearly 8 decades.  Both passed away unexpectedly.

The services got me to thinking about how we go from day to day in our busy lives, often thinking life goes on forerer, taking for granted that tomorrow will be here, and us along with it.  We leave for work each day just like any other, a quick hug or goodbye or see you in a little while.

But will it be the last time you get to say that?  Is it possible that you or someone close to you is suddenly taken away by a tragic accident, terror attack, or some other sudden random unknown cause?

I can remember visiting with my grandfather shortly before he passed away.  While I didn’t know it would be the last time I got to be with him, it was within reason that it might be.  The same with my grandmother.  I had those opportunities knowing it might be the last time.

My cousin, Kevin, passed quite suddenly.  While I knew it could happen, I didn’t entertain the idea that it would happen, and certainly did not consider the last time I saw him would be the last time I saw him.

We cannot know God’s will, when he calls one of us home to Him, but we can realize that each time we have with each other might well be the last time, for our lives are but a vapour, here but for a little while.