How do we measure life and time? How often is what we consider to be important, drastically different than what others may presume about the same thing? I am not referring to mathematical equations that allow us to calculate time and space as we pass through the universe, but the simplicity of things that greet us on our very doorstep. Things so simple, yet not important enough to pay attention. We can assume credit for the accumulation of stuff in our lives, but the presence of meaningful people, we cannot. I saw a news story the other day about a couple that has been married for fifteen years, and every single day before he departs to work, he kissed his wife good-bye, and said, I love you. One day, for some reason he found himself in a rush, jumped in his truck and headed to work. Some eighteen minutes or so later he speedily returned home, to his wife’s surprise, she inquired, did you forget something, his response was, yes, he immediately kissed her, said I love you, and once again headed off to work. It sounds simple enough, but in his heart, something just did not feel right. He had to return home and begin the day over again. Likewise, the early morning of September 11th, 2001, is a day in our nation’s history in which 2,977 people tragically lost their lives, one an incredibly good friend during my tenure at the Pentagon. Each, I suppose, woke that day, and treated it like any other, some departing home in a rush, while others left in a huff, in the midst of an argument whose final harmful words can never be taken back and the other left to bear the burden, and yet others suffered through checklists for school, lunches, activities, homework and the like, but forgetting to tell the little person before them, three simple words, I love you. God has a way of reminding us of what is most important, keeping us during the tragedy. I was home on leave visiting family at the time, watching the events unfold on television, as one of the planes struck the opposite side of the building. I was scheduled to return to Washington, DC that same day. I flew on the last flight before all air travel was restricted. I did not know what awaited me upon my return, but God through the fullest measure of my parent’s love convinced me that it was ok to leave at that moment. Yes, I had an urgency to leave, but more importantly I needed God’s assurance.
Today’s podcast is titled.
Displaced Urgency
Philippians 4:6-8
6 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; 7 and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
8 Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things.
The blessings before us, right in front of us, the ones we see this very moment. Do we pass them by, or not matter how great or small, do we pause, if only for a moment to acknowledge them and to simply say, thank you? Our lives are precious not ones to be wasted in folly or daydreaming of things a million miles away. David proclaims in
Psalm 139:17-18
