Ready To Go

 

READY TO GO

By: Julie Souza Bradley Lilly

“Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal.” – Matthew‬ ‭6:19-20‬ ‭NIV‬‬

A friend of mine passed away recently.  I don’t know his life story, but my spirit recognized him as a brother and treasured friend.  He had a heart for the lost and the broken.  He was a man of great compassion, because he had also suffered heartaches, disappointments and loss in life.

We never know when our last day will be.  Only the Father knows.  But whether our last day will find us caught up with the saints to meet Christ in the air, or drawing our last breath on some other appointed day, one day will finally be our last.

These losses are bittersweet.  While I will surely miss my friend, I am grateful for the rearrangement of priorities that so often comes hand-in-hand with these life-altering events.  Reality shakes us awake and the fog temporarily clears long enough for us to realize, once again, what is truly important.  

My friend took nothing with him as he shed his earthly body, but he left behind a godly legacy in the hearts and minds of many.  And as his eyes closed here for the last time, they opened anew to the welcome of those who had gone on before him, and the long-awaited embrace of his Savior.   

I wonder what legacy I will leave one day with my passing.  Which treasures will I have been wise enough to send on ahead of my arrival home? How about you?

Father, teach us to live mindful of the gift of each day.  Help us to live joyfully and with great courage, taking advantage of every opportunity to leave a mark for the kingdom.  Show us how to love people and use things, and not the other way around, and to store up for ourselves eternal treasures.  

Lord, may we live each day as if it were our last, with open hands, a clear conscience and our priorities in order.  And when You call us home, may we be ready to go.  In Jesus’ Name ❤️

https://www.facebook.com/Prayers-of-a-Ragamuffin-Warrior-171515087035441/

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