As you can see it has been a few days since my last post. Things have been pretty busy; seems that way a lot for me and I'm sure you too. Yet, to be honest it's probably more to do with disorganization rather than time...but we'll discuss that later on. (probably not.)

This week in our community we had a difficult turn of events. A young man, 47 to be exact, died suddenly of an apparent heart attack. It was such a sad and sorrow filled day. My heart went out to the family, especially the mother and father. These types of matters leave you feeling so helpless as a pastor to comfort folk, and yet, it brings to light the reality that life is "not fair." No parent should have to bury their child. But it happens.

At the funeral on Friday, a gentleman who pastored the family 26 years ago, was called upon to preach the funeral. What a powerful and comforting word he delivered to the family and for all gathered at the funeral service. As I listened to his words, going back to memories of the days he served as the pastor of the family, there were laughter and tears from many. As he delivered his heart, he mentioned one important thought that stuck with me and I've pondered it. "Live life intentionally!"

Live your life intentionally. He described his thought by the example we so frequently do in putting off those things that we say we'll do….tomorrow. "I'll go visit this friend, tomorrow." "I'll tell them I love them, tomorrow." "I'll do this or that, tomorrow!"

As I've thought about that statement, I find it true in so many of our lives. We live busy lives that are so wrapped up in things that 3 months, 6 months and even 1 year and especially 10 years from now they won't matter at all…why? They'll be forgotten. I'm not suggesting we stop doing the things that help to maintain the order of our lives because we all need structure. Telling the people that matter the most in your live "you love them." Don't wait for the "convenient time" make the time!

Love intentionally!
Care intentionally!
Show interest intentionally!

I know what some of you are thinking…. "but what if I get hurt?" Unfortunately that's the risk of making yourself vulnerable to other humans. Learn a quick lesson in life. Human beings are by human nature selfish and self-centered…take it from a pastor who has learned it well; even the well meaning devoted Christian man and woman can at times be selfish. I know what I'm talking about because I deal with it in my own life "every single day."

Live your life with an intentional drive to say and do those things that will uplift those dearest and closest to you. Invest, intentionally, in the lives of those what nurture you spiritually in your walk with the Lord. Don't take those people for granted. Appreciate those who pour into your life with grace and compassion because one day they'll be gone! Sounds cold I know but it again is reality.

Time is like a blown kiss. It moves fast. But duplicate the action of my Granddaddy; I'd blow him a kiss and he'd always catch it and then put the kiss to his lips!

Catch "time" and make it work for you…live intentionally!

Until my next blog confabulation…God bless!