There is a time for everything, and
a season for every activity under heaven.
—Ecclesiastes 3:1
Life has three chapters: Past; Present; Future.
Past: Life is short. The Bible describes life as a puff of smoke that appears briefly and then vanishes, a fleeting shadow, a passing breeze. You don’t need those reminders; you know it from experience: the body slows down, but life speeds up—every year going by faster than the last one. Our years “pass quickly” (Ps 90:10).
Future: Life is uncertain. We don’t know what is going to happen in the next hour, much less next week, next month, or next year. The adjective “unexpected” could precede most events in our future: an unexpected illness, defeat, sorrow; an unexpected blessing, achievement, joy.
Present: Life is challenging. Sometimes the challenges are exhilarating, sometimes depressing. But packed with possibilities: opportunities to accomplish, adapt, grow.
This day is a once-in-a-lifetime gift.