The Frailty of Our Existence...

It's in Christ that we find out who we are and what we are living for. Long before we first heard of Christ and got our hopes up, he had his eye on us, had designs on us for glorious living, part of the overall purpose he is working out in everything and everyone.

It's in Christ that you, once you heard the truth and believed it (this Message of your salvation), found yourselves home free—signed, sealed, and delivered by the Holy Spirit. This signet from God is the first installment on what's coming, a reminder that we'll get everything God has planned for us, a praising and glorious life.
Ephesians 1:11-14

I had the opportunity to play at Joey Weadon's funeral yesterday. It was an amazing occasion to be able to participate in a celebration of life. I didn't personally know Joey, but from what I know of him...he left an example of a life well lived. Even through his sickness and struggles, his focus was on loving God and loving people. When it comes down to it, that's what life is all about. The above verses address this idea...God has designs on us for glorious living. The ability to point to a loving Creator that loves us...and provides salvation and grace. Wow! A praising and glorious life. I get glimpses of this every now and then. It is a struggle though. We live in a fallen world...but there is an eternal home for us as Christ-followers...we're not home yet. Only through Christ will we find our true purpose and direction in life. It must begin there.

Funerals are rough. It's hard because many times I have no idea what to say. That's the thing though...we really don't have to say anything. It's a matter of us providing comfort and solace in a time of sadness. The speaker today talked about rejoicing...Joey is in a better place...made whole. Yes, we'll miss him for now...but there will be a day when we'll see him again. It's up to me to use the time I have wisely. Only God knows how much time I've got. I don't need to worry about it...just make sure I'm seeking the "glorious living" Paul talks about.

This idea of a fragile life is something that I don't think about too much. Our bodies are frail...sickness can take life away from us. Then my mind goes off on a tangent...Fragile...like in "The Christmas Story" from 1983, with ol' Ralphie. His dad recieves a crate as a bonus from his job and the following dialogue takes place (I'm sure you're familiar...):

Mr. Parker reads a side of the box with the prize that he won]
Mr. Parker: Fra-gee-lay. That must be Italian.
Mrs. Parker: Uh, I think that says FRAGILE, dear.
Mr. Parker: Oh, yeah.

So, when it comes down to it...Jesus talked about it.

Give your entire attention to what God is doing right now, and don't get worked up about what may or may not happen tomorrow. God will help you deal with whatever hard things come up when the time comes.
Matthew 6:34

Focus on the present. Don't let the past cloud your purpose. Look for God in everything. He's got an overall purpose for things. Things will happen that we don't agree with, understand, like...but again...focus on Christ. Only there will our lives be made full...in preparation for when we're made whole as we go home to live with Jesus. In the meantime, it's on us to hold each other up...encourage, build, live lives that glorify Christ. In the times of sadness and despair...let's "hold the light" for each other.



Oh...props out to Jo for the photo at the beginning of this post....