December 2012

So, here's a random thought for your day:

What if the predictions about 2012 are correct?  What if, just prior to Christmas next year, when the Mayan Long Count calendar officially ends, we're all toast?

Let's just say that the Mayans HAD a lock on the end of times.  That, somehow, they are absolutely correct. 

What would you do differently with the next 16 months of your life?

What would you get rid of or acquire?
What lessons would you teach your kids?
What foods would you avoid or make sure you ate?
What books would you read?
What trips would you take?
Would you quit your job?
Would you buy survival gear for the months right before the end when things would get really wacky?
Would you build a bomb shelter to hole up in with your family?
Would you move closer to your parents, siblings, extended family, best friends?
Would you find yourself worrying more or less about petty things?
Would you let your anger about a long-distant hurt finally subside?
How would you structure your days?
Would you use a countdown calendar?
What would you tell your kids about the end?
Would you worry about whether or not Heaven was in the equation for you and those you loved?
Would you finally admit hurting others and start asking for their forgiveness?
Would you write your own obituary?
What would you watch on TV and in the theaters, and listen to on the radio?

Truly, there is a reason that no one knows the time and day of their demise.  I believe that is one of God's smartest moves.  Shielding us from the date of our death allows us to live in the moment and live for the day.  It's also the reason no one truly knows when Christ's return is coming. 

And, with the promise that every day is fresh with mercy and a new beginning and without blemish as our gift from God, we CAN look at that long list above and structure our lives so that we have one eye clearly in the here-and-now and one eye on eternity.

We CAN look ahead without fear or worry knowing that He provides for our every need on a daily basis.

We CAN surrender our lives to our ultimate death, knowing our protection for eternity comes from Him.

But, to claim these things, we have to lay down our lives for the one, true, King.  We have to know that He loves us enough to have laid down His life for us and claim His love as our own.  We have to believe that He is Holy God, the one and only Lord, the name above all names.  And we have to be willing to admit that we aren't perfect, that we err, that we sin and humble ourselves and ask for forgiveness.

Is there is something you need to do today, in preparation for tomorrow?  Not for the end of the Mayan calendar but for the end of YOUR calendar?


If so, what are you waiting for?