Precarious

We take our most precious possession for granted. We assume we will always have it, but we will not. We abuse it until it is too late to regain it. Sometimes it vanishes when we are working hard to keep it. We lose it because of something unforeseen or for no readily discernable reason. It is our health.

This past week, three ladies I know died. Two of them were ladies in their fifties and one was a bit older. One lived a good vital life. Another did many things right blessing numerous people but over the years engaged in a couple of risky behaviors. The older lady had health issues but was raising two young grandsons. All were deeply loved and will be greatly missed.

Today, we dealt with the declining health of my mother-in-law. This afternoon she became increasingly lethargic. Her blood pressure dropped to a level which was startling. We laid her down and called the home health nurse. Her blood pressure has stabilized at an acceptable level, but her temperature started to climb. We are treating that and monitoring her several times throughout the night.

During times like these when good people die too young and an elderly lady who I love dearly is in declining health, I must remind myself of what God through the pen of Solomon has to say about our lives.

“There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven: a time to be born and a time to die, a time to plant and a time to uproot, a time to kill and a time to heal, a time to tear down and a time to build, a time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance,” Ecclesiastes 3:1-4 NIV

Yes, we are to be good stewards of our health and make wise healthcare decisions when our health is precarious. However, life is temporary—that is unless one has accepted Jesus as Savior. Then when life on this earth is over, a glorious eternal life with Jesus begins.

"For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.” John 3:16-17 NIV

So we should not be surprised when health issues become serious--life-threatening. We must realize there is a time for everything and place trust in our Lord and Savior.

Lord, thank you for health, life, and salvation. May I never take them for granted. Show me how you want me to live each moment of each day of my earthly life.