Everything Has Changed

Think with me about the things that have changed since the COVID-19 pandemic has hit our country. So many of the things we took for granted have disappeared. We can’t see our family unless it’s by Zoom or FaceTime. We can’t worship in our church unless it’s on Facebook or some form of electronics. We can’t even go see our neighbors unless we keep six feet apart.

We go to see our grandchildren once a week and take them surprises so they’ll have something to do. We put the packages on their front porch and then walk across the yard. They come out and talk and play, and at least we get to see them, albeit from afar. Our grandson has a new way of hugging. He crosses his arms over his chest and then points to us.

Tim McGraw has a song “Live Like You Were Dying.” In the song, he describes some exciting bucket list items a man did after receiving some bad news about his health. The song reminds us all that our time is limited. In the song, McGraw encourages us to treat others with love and to forgive people more freely. We should not put off for tomorrow what we can do today!

Jesus urges us to be ready and not live like the five “foolish” virgins who were caught unprepared when the bridegroom returned. (Matthew 25:6-10) McGraw’s song doesn’t tell the whole story.

Jesus says, “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; and whoever lives by believing in me will never die.” (John 11:25-26) So don’t live like you’re dying because you’re not! Rather, live like Jesus is coming. Because He is!

Matthew  25:13 — “Keep watch, because we do not know the day or the hour.”

By the Rev. Tommy Herndon
Image: Adobe iStock