As a college student, I am beginning to think more and more about my life and my career when I "grow up." I think about how someday I will get married and have my own kids, and about where I will live and where God will take me. It is fun to think about these things, but over the past six months or so, I have had the thought, "What if I never get there?" Do you know what I mean? What if I'm not supposed to do all of those things? It is a pretty scary thought and the only reason I'm bringing it up is because I'm urging you (whoever reads this) to live your life NOW. Don't put things off; if you can accomplish something today, than do it.
Almost six months ago now, a friend of mine that had graduated a year ahead of me unexpectedly and tragically died. This was someone who was so full of life and joy that it came as a great shock to get the news that he had died, as does any death. Alex Heidengren (bottom left) loved the Lord and showed this love in his words and actions. He had been working at a camp when he tragically drowned. He had been very young and his death made me do a lot of thinking. Alex and I weren't best friends, but we always said hi to each other and he always greeted me with a smile. His sister and I had also become close during my senior year. This is someone who was such an example to everyone around him of how a Christian and lover of Christ should act. The news made me think that our life could be over before we know it and it made me remember that no one is promised tomorrow. Alex was a very talented piano player and because of this talent, although he in no longer with us on earth, I know he is playing those keys for Jesus.
This past week I was once again awakened to the idea that life is short. I had gotten a text from my Dad saying that he really needed to talk to me and to call him as soon as I could. Later that night when I got done working out, I gave him a call only to receive some shocking news. My Uncle Kevin had been killed in a skiing accident that day, Monday I'm pretty sure. I haven't seen my Uncle Kevin in nearly ten years because he lives in Colorado, and he isn't my uncle by blood. Kevin had been one of my Dad's long time best friends. I can still remember going out to visit when I was only about nine years old and Uncle Kevin teaching me how to ski. I remember how much fun it was and how much he made me laugh. I even remember him pulling me out of a hole that I had accidently skied into. That was a very memorable trip. Kevin has a ten year old son and was the hockey coach of his son's team. From what my Dad has told me, Kevin was very involved in Chases' life and I can't imagine what Chase is now going through.
These two seperate events have reminded me that no one in invincible. No matter how young you are, no matter how skilled you are at something you love, no one is able to cheat death. Being a Christian I try to live my life every day for God. No, I don't always pray or read my Bible, but I always try to act in a way that displays Christ's love to those around me. I will always dream of my life after college and I will always want it to happen, but I also will continue to be ready for the day that God decides to take me home.
One more question that you are probably asking yourself, why does God let bad/sad things happen to good people or people who don't deserve it? I had always asked this question as well and I finally got an answer that makes complete sense. This past Wednesday at the Eastern University chapel service, Tony Campolo brought up a point that I had never really thought of before. He was talking about the Haiti tragedy, but this can definitely apply to various aspects of life. He said, "God is not in charge of the evils of this world. God is in the midst of everything and He will bring good out of it." God does have a plan and reason for things that happen to us and to those that we love. We have to trust that. Bad things will happen, but as Tony said, the Evil One (Satan) is still present in this world and can cause a lot of damage as well. "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding," Proverbs 3:5.
Almost six months ago now, a friend of mine that had graduated a year ahead of me unexpectedly and tragically died. This was someone who was so full of life and joy that it came as a great shock to get the news that he had died, as does any death. Alex Heidengren (bottom left) loved the Lord and showed this love in his words and actions. He had been working at a camp when he tragically drowned. He had been very young and his death made me do a lot of thinking. Alex and I weren't best friends, but we always said hi to each other and he always greeted me with a smile. His sister and I had also become close during my senior year. This is someone who was such an example to everyone around him of how a Christian and lover of Christ should act. The news made me think that our life could be over before we know it and it made me remember that no one is promised tomorrow. Alex was a very talented piano player and because of this talent, although he in no longer with us on earth, I know he is playing those keys for Jesus.
This past week I was once again awakened to the idea that life is short. I had gotten a text from my Dad saying that he really needed to talk to me and to call him as soon as I could. Later that night when I got done working out, I gave him a call only to receive some shocking news. My Uncle Kevin had been killed in a skiing accident that day, Monday I'm pretty sure. I haven't seen my Uncle Kevin in nearly ten years because he lives in Colorado, and he isn't my uncle by blood. Kevin had been one of my Dad's long time best friends. I can still remember going out to visit when I was only about nine years old and Uncle Kevin teaching me how to ski. I remember how much fun it was and how much he made me laugh. I even remember him pulling me out of a hole that I had accidently skied into. That was a very memorable trip. Kevin has a ten year old son and was the hockey coach of his son's team. From what my Dad has told me, Kevin was very involved in Chases' life and I can't imagine what Chase is now going through.
These two seperate events have reminded me that no one in invincible. No matter how young you are, no matter how skilled you are at something you love, no one is able to cheat death. Being a Christian I try to live my life every day for God. No, I don't always pray or read my Bible, but I always try to act in a way that displays Christ's love to those around me. I will always dream of my life after college and I will always want it to happen, but I also will continue to be ready for the day that God decides to take me home.
One more question that you are probably asking yourself, why does God let bad/sad things happen to good people or people who don't deserve it? I had always asked this question as well and I finally got an answer that makes complete sense. This past Wednesday at the Eastern University chapel service, Tony Campolo brought up a point that I had never really thought of before. He was talking about the Haiti tragedy, but this can definitely apply to various aspects of life. He said, "God is not in charge of the evils of this world. God is in the midst of everything and He will bring good out of it." God does have a plan and reason for things that happen to us and to those that we love. We have to trust that. Bad things will happen, but as Tony said, the Evil One (Satan) is still present in this world and can cause a lot of damage as well. "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding," Proverbs 3:5.
No comments:
Post a Comment