By Effie Rolfe
Life is like a vapor. Once you get started—it may be hard to stop, but then you turn around and you’re dead. The brevity of life never ceases to amaze me. James 4:14 emphasizes, “…For what is your life? It is even a vapor, that appears for a little time, and then vanishes away.” I’d like to pose the question, ‘If your life ended tomorrow—what would you do differently today?’
Unfortunately, none of us is aware when the last tomorrow will take place. In most cases it comes extremely quickly. We used to sing a song years ago with lyrics “This may be my last chance, this may be my last chance, this may be my last chance, it may be my last chance I don’t know.” Only God knows our days (Psalm 139:16).
Think about what if this really was your last year, week or day to live (the time is winding down). Again, what would you choose to do differently?
Over the Thanksgiving holiday, I was watching a television show and this particular scene showed passengers on an airplane experiencing turbulence. Once the turbulence ended, one of the passengers that had previously sneered at an obese woman was later found holding that same woman’s hand. She smiled and spoke pensively, ‘I thought I was going to die. I almost died knowing my husband is cheating on me. The children are grown and out of the house. I’m getting a divorce.’ Too often, only in these moments and when these crises arise are we forced to look seriously at the brevity of life. Just as that airline passenger received an epiphany during a momentary crisis, we should pause, and plan with purpose, and not because panic strikes.
Make the switch now. How would you make the paradigm shift? When would you make it? What would motivate you to do it?
One of the last songs the legendary ‘King of Pop’ Michael Jackson recorded was entitled “This is it!” The reality is—this life is not a rehearsal—this is it! You have got to give it all you got for tomorrow isn’t promised.
A biblical reminder says, “Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all of your might, for in the realm of the dead, where you are going, there is neither working nor planning nor knowledge nor wisdom.” (Ecclesiastes 9:10) It’s very important to remember that tomorrow isn’t promised. So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God. (1 Corinthians 10:31). Therefore, give and give it all. The talents and gifts that God has given to you are to be used for His glory as well as to impact the world.
Now is the perfect time to live like there is no tomorrow. The next 10 minutes or 10 seconds of your life are not promised. If there is someone you love, let that person know. If you want to see someone or go somewhere—do it. Finish that book. Say what’s on your mind. Live every moment. Not recklessly, but with praise and purpose. Seize each opportunity you have.
Right now is all you have—so learn to enjoy and take full advantage of this moment. Do it or die trying. Life is made of moments. Enjoy it. When life is over—that’s it. “From life to death. From a vapor—to rigor mortis—back toGod.” Life is just like that. What is your life like?
© Effie Rolfe is an Author of “Supersize Your Thinking,” Media Personality and Motivational Speaker. You can contact her on twitter.com/effiedrolfe. Listen to her show daily on urbanpraiseradio.org (2015 Stellar Award Winner for Best Internet Radio Station)
