Take hold of this day...

This Wednesday one of the second grade teachers at the school where I teach met an untimely death after suffering a seizure. I received word of her passing Wednesday evening. I remember exchanging smiles in the lunch room just the day before, and although I did not know her well,  I know she was beloved by her students, and the void she has left is irreplaceable.  Here, and then gone.  In a moment, taken from earth into heavenly territory, by his grace.

I love the words of Sheri Rose Shepherd from Love Letters from Your King:
"You need not worry when your life will end, My precious child.  All you need to know is that your first breath began with Me, and your last breath will lead you to My presence.  Don't ever let fear of death or eternity frighten you.  Your todays and tomorrows are secure with Me-I have held them in My hand since the beginning of time.  When you finish your brief time on earth and I call you into heaven, your 'forever life' in heaven will begin."

Valerie Hildebrandt was a Christ-like example daily to her second-graders, and their lives have been forever changed by her presence.  What was learned under her tutelage will remain in hearts for a life time.

Our time here is brief; we've been given just enough to bring forth God's life-changing news of salvation-
we're here to collect people! We are called to bring others to him.

If we live each day as if it were our last, leaving eternal imprints on the lives of those we know and love, though they be brief, their impact will linger long after we have gone. Recognize that God has strategically placed each of us here for such a time as this. Seize each day!  Make a difference in the lives of those God brings into yours...one day at a time for the rest of the days you've been given.

...that I may finish the race with joy and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me-
Matthew 20:  24