James 4:14 “Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away.”
This week deviated drastically from the one I had planned. It was one that I would hope to never repeat. On Monday evening, I was informed that my Group Superintendent, a seemingly healthy 41 year old Chief Master Sergeant, passed away unexpected from a heart attack while running. That news kicked off a week that included notification of his wife and young children, sharing the somber news with the members of our organization, rallying support for his family, preparing for a fitting memorial, and welcoming the body back from his off-station location. It was a horrible week, apart from the comfort of his strong Christian testimony that gave us every indication that he was already in heaven.
As Chief did every day, he had spent his last hours focusing his time, energy, and attention caring for others. On that day he provided support to a struggling co-worker; visited with the wife of a member of our organization who had recently undergone major surgery; inspired Airmen through group interaction that left them encouraged, challenged, and equipped; and mentored a young Detachment Commander. He was in the midst of reading a book on being a better Christian father. He had encouraged me about the PLUS ministry. He was a wonderful co-worker, confidant, and friend who seized the time he had available to him and used it to improve our nation.
Life is indeed short and unpredictable. We have no guarantee that we will breathe our next breath. This truth should motivate us to conduct our lives accordingly, and engage the problems of our land more fervently. PLEASE PRAY THAT AMERICAN CHRISTIANS WOULD REDEEM THE FLEETING TIME WE HAVE AVAILABLE TO MAKE AN IMPACT ON THIS LAND. Let us do so before our time vanisheth away.