It Was Over Quickly
Yet you do not know what tomorrow will bring. What is your life? For you are a mist that appears for a little time and then vanishes. James 4:14 (ESV)
It was truly a beautiful morning. The azure sky above was a promise of awesome weather. A jacket was not even necessary as I went out to feed the deer and let the chickens out. With my coffee in hand, I then sat down at my writing table to put my thoughts together.
The house was quiet. I watched the blue jays squabble over the abundance of seed. The deer finished and pigeons and crows were enjoying the leftovers. A bunny hopped into view and cautiously made its way to the area where I leave carrots. It was simply a great morning viewing God’s creation up close and personal.
And then, it was over quickly. A red-tailed hawk flew into view and landed on the bunny. Initially there was thrashing and then the movement stopped. Off he flew with bunny in tow.
I was in shock at what I had witnessed. I sat back with tears in my eyes and a big lump in my throat. (Yes, I know, hawks must eat too.)
When I recovered, I was face-to-face with the reality that life can end abruptly for any of us. We need to live each day with no regrets. That includes mending fences and tearing down walls. Even though we didn’t build them, we can be the generation that dismantles them.
What are the last words you spoke to your spouse or significant other as you walked out the door today? Did you tell your parents how much you love and appreciate them? Do your kids or grandkids know that you’re proud of them?
The days fly by and so many words are left unspoken. What do we do to make changes before it is too late—like that little bunny. It did not get up and think about its last moments of life that day.
God has gifted us with the ability to think…and pray. This is vital in our world today. We don’t know what is going to happen next. Please don’t consider this a doom and gloom devotion because it isn’t. This is a reminder to make the most of every day and say ‘I love you’ as often as possible.
Heavenly Father, thank You for this intense life-lesson. Help me stay in the moment with You and help me keep my eyes wide open because I don’t want to miss what You have for me. AMEN.
Photo: Mo Johnston