Make every experience in your life count for good.”
–Zane Grey (Captive of the Desert)
“You also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him.”
–Luke 12:40 (NIV)
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The first third of the year, that’s right, the year is one-third over, has been quite the different sort of a year than in the past. For the first time baseball has been cancelled, at least until further notice. Not even in the dark years of World War II was it cancelled, for it was considered “essential.” The Houston Stock Show and Rodeo was cancelled, along with the Calgary Stampede and other rodeos. NASCAR is not running in circles. Meetings of any sort, in person, have for the most part been cancelled. I don’t often do this, but I want to share with you something from Thomas a’Kempis.
Each morning remember that you may not live until evening; and in the evening, do not presume to promise yourself another day. Be ready at all times, and so live that death may never find you unprepared. Many die suddenly and unexpectedly; for at an hour that we do not know the Son of Man will come. When you last hour strikes, you will begin to think very differently of your past life, ad grieve deeply that you have been so careless and remiss.
Happy and wise is he who endeavors to be during his life as he wishes to be found at his death. For these things will afford us sure hope of a happy death; perfect contempt of the world; fervent desire to grow in holiness; love of discipline; the patience of penance; ready obedience; self-denial; the bearing of every trial for the love of Christ. While you enjoy health, you can do much good; but when sickness comes, little can be done. Few are made better by sickness, and those who make frequent pilgrimages seldom acquire holiness by so doing.
Do not rely on friends and neighbors, and do not delay the salvation of your soul to some future date, for men will forget you sooner than you think. It is better to make timely provision and to acquire merit in this life, than to depend upon the help of others. And if you have no care for your own soul, who will have care for you in time to come? The present time is most precious; now is the accepted time, now is the day of salvation. It is sad that you do not employ your time better, when you may win eternal life hereafter. The time will come when you will long for one day or one hour in which to amend; and who knows whether it will be granted?
Salvation is up to you! That is one thing a friend or family member cannot do for you. And as is so stated above–don’t put it off! Now is the time to be born again; now is the time to be working for Christ, for one day, and you don’t know when, it will be too late. One-third of the year gone, what have you done? In quarantine for several weeks, are you practicing Christian disciplines? Ahh, but here’s just as important a question, there may (or may not) be two-thirds of the year left, what will you do if it is given to you? Back to the old ways, party-hardy, or give unto the Lord your time, energy, strength, and life?