Each night when I lay down in my bed I say, “Thank you Lord for another day of life.” For the past several months this had been my prayer of thanksgiving because several months ago I was close to going home and being with my heavenly Father.
I often wonder how many people say this same thing at the end of their day. The Lord gives us each day and it is up to us to how we use it. For those of us that know the Lord personally, we try and live each day for Him. I often wonder how the day ends for those that don’t the Lord as their Lord and Savior. What does their tomorrow hold for them should they not make it through the night?
When I experienced my heart attack, I wasn’t thinking about dying. Even though the doctors told my wife I probably had a couple of more hours on earth had she not stopped at the emergency room, it still didn’t dawn on me that I could go to my heavenly home at any minute. I didn’t see any angels floating around me when I was on the table having stents put in my heart. I was awake and could hear the doctors and see the screen they were looking at; however, it never crossed my mind that I could die at any time. Of course, being a Christian I do realize that seeing Jesus is only a heartbeat away.
Many of us have never realized that each day we face is a gift from God. Therefore, it is called “the present.”
Now that it is after the fact and the Lord has allowed me to live another day I look back on the situation and face the fears of not realizing how close to death I was. Not for myself, but for those I would have left behind. Do I have my affairs in order so as not to burden my family? I have thought of many things I need to do, and wonder have I done these things in my past.
I pray continuously and talk with the Lord. I read His Word to see what He has for me each day. I don’t do this enough, but I need to spend more time alone with God each day. I try and confess my sins to Him, and this seems to be a never-ending subject. I do give Him praise and thanks for giving me this life and for the family He has allowed me to have. I need to listen to what He is telling me and where He is leading me.
He tells me to forgive the ones I believe have wronged me and go to those who I have wronged and apologize. He tells me to help those in need and try to be a blessing to someone that needs an attentive ear. He tells me to live a good life and be a good example for others to see for this could be the best Christian witness that I have.
All of us realize that life on this earth is short. Not one of us knows the time and day that our life is going to end. I certainly didn’t realize I was going to have a heart attack even though I did have all the warning signs of being overweight and out of shape. I didn’t take care of the temple that God gave me, but He got my attention when I least expected it.
I am glad I know Jesus personally and wish that everyone would accept Him as Lord and Savior. What about you? Do you know the Lord, and do you thank Him each and everyday for another day of life?
Prayer: Thank you Jesus for another day of life. I pray that I can be the example for someone to see that you are the only way to our eternal home. Amen.
