memento mori

Something about facing your own mortality has always brought a fresh perspective. Suddenly one sees the various facets of life thrown into sharp relief and realizes the relative importance of each. Simply put, a brush with death throws something like a filter into the entire frame of reference, shaking the foundations of existence.

It’s a scary thing.

I realized the effect I could have on others; the fact that I occasionally (perhaps often) hold the lives of those I care about in my hands without even noticing. The smallest mistake, and an entire community can be crushed. Our lives are fragile things, ephemeral as a morning mist or a butterfly’s wing.

And then comes the question of “why?”

Why do we go through situations that cause pain? Why does God allow us to nearly lose that which we treasure most? Why are we tossed by events and forces that tear us apart and break us to pieces?

“… no one should be shaken by these afflictions; for you yourselves know that we are appointed to this.”

“For consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds.”

“Therefore I ask that you do not lose heart…”

O Father, show me your grace and strengthen my faith, weak though it is. Grant me peace and help me to rest in your will.

Still be my vision, O Ruler of all.

Eulogia

Blessings. We are so very blessed.

So often, though, my skewed perspective is seen in what I consider my blessings. What am I blessed with? I think of this semester… I have a car now, which I didn’t last semester. I’m comfortable at Northland; I feel like I belong. I have friends here; I have people that care about me. I’ve got four walls, a bed, everything I really need to live.

Of course, all of that can be taken away in a moment. What are my TRUE blessings?

Salvation. The unutterable, indescribable gift of the ages. The state of reconciliation with the One who knows me. The One who loves me, even when I don’t see it, don’t feel it, don’t believe it.

Grace. The power and ability to break free of the flesh through Christ’s strength. The work of the Spirit with my spirit.

Hope. The conviction that there is something better, that one day I will see my Savior. The mindset that, dark and long though it may seem, my life is but a few minutes of waiting before the true life begins.

Faith. The firm stance that declares through every trial, “Come what may, I will not be shaken!” The voice that whispers in my ear, “Has He not promised? ‘For the Lord GOD will help me; therefore shall I not be confounded: therefore have I set my face like a flint, and I know that I shall not be ashamed.’ ”

These are my blessings.

"Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ…"