Death

A student killed thirty something people at a college in Virginia. You never know when you're going to go. It bothers me. I don't take a day for granted, not only because it might be my last, but also because I'd like for it not to be. Not taking life for granted means not only acknowledging that life is short, but also doing our best to make it long. So we try to be healthy, and we try to be careful. What else can we do? I've always had an overactive imagination. I mostly consider it a good thing. As Jack London wrote of the man in his story "To Build A Fire," the man's problem was that he lacked imagination. He never foresaw himself freezing to death. I've done, and still do, some daring things, but never without practice and careful assessment, and maybe that's helped to keep me from any serious injury. Imagination on the other hand can also paralyze us with fear. I've worried sick over uncontrollable, even ridiculous, possibilities. Jesus doesn't want us to fear. God is in control. Not even a sparrow "will fall to the ground apart from the will of your Father" (Matt 10:29) Tragedy disturbs me terribly, and never as much as senseless, stupid violence. Sometimes I break into a sweat when I consider that I have brought kids into this place. I have to trust God, to trust Father's good plan and align myself with it. I want to truly say, "To live is Christ, to die is gain" (Phil 1:21).