The presence of eager anticipation filled the car as we piled in and buckled up. Thoughts of donuts and coffee prompted us to press on even as we realized we had left the coupons in the house. Sunday we drove together to Sunday morning services for the first time as a family. Certainly other pastors and their families can attest this is a special treat as pastors most often arrive earlier and stay later than the congregation. To celebrate the occasion we promised the children Dunkin’ Donuts for breakfast if they were dressed with little complaining and were in the car on time.
Success!
The pictured trip was from our last donut stop while visiting family in Alabama; but viewing these images while contemplating the question Emily posed yesterday, solidifies the point of our temporary status even more.
“Mom, will we ever have another day like this one?” Emily quipped the question while we were enjoying a “game” of checkers in the church library prior to its hours of operation.
“No, not exactly like this one. We are going to come with Daddy to church early some weeks, but no day will be exactly like this one again. ”
Elements of our days are the same but an exact replica of today will never be experienced; be it good or bad.
This day, the people we encounter, and the circumstances mulling in our mind will pass only to be visited in our memories during our finite time on earth. This begs the question: Are we setting our gaze on eternity so that the decisions we make, the discipline that we provide, and the memories that we create will make a difference in the lives we impact? Or, are we pressing the present enjoyments and neglecting the future good?
There is never a second chance at today.
Dear Heavenly Father,
Thank you that you are both the Alpha and the Omega: the beginning and the end. Thank you that you see and know all that encompasses our every minute: past, present, and future. Thank you Lord that in light of eternity you bless us with today. Help us to transcend the temporary and press the points that matter for eternity be it a gentle process or disciplinary in nature. We ask this for your glory and our good.
In Jesus Name, Amen.
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