Life is but a vapor

Week 5.
I am writing to you tonight with a bit of a heavy heart.
I am back in Chicago for the death of my uncle Tom (my Dad's brother). I can't begin to imagine what my Dad and his siblings are going through, not to mention Uncle Tom's three sons. Tom was a great man who no doubt is in heaven. That is comforting... but now what?
There is something really heartbreaking about watching your father weep. This was different than the passing of my Grandma or Grandpa. This cut deeper, especially for Dad.
For the past few months, my heart has felt the fragility of life. Feeling the weight of the world. Sickness and death. Its for real. Gosh is it real.
So now what? Well today it overwhelmed me. The sense of urgency that we need to live life with. The intentionality we need to have behind every word and every action. Our time here is short. James 4:14 says, "Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes." You are just a vapor.
Tom was a man of honor and compassion. He lived it well. His life an example to all.
Not only within our lives should we impact and uplift those around us, but even in our death. With our every decision, intention, and attitude. So that we can inspire and encourage the way Uncle Tom did. It would be easy to make excuses... living the bare minimum. But living a life close to Jesus asks us to "run with perseverance the race marked out for us" and by doing so, lead by example (Hebrews 12:1). Live by example. Meet and exceed expectations so that even after we pass, our lives point to Christ.
Run. Don't walk. Don't stand still. Run with perseverance.
Others will desire to follow.

Thanks Uncle Tom.