(I originally wrote this in June, 2006......just wanted to share the message.....)
We've all been guilty of it....taking someone else for granted. Whether it's your wife or husband, mother or father, sister or brother, friend, co-worker, etc....At one time or another we've all been there and just "assumed" that the person would always be around doing what they do. However, the clock is ticking and time is short....
Back in January, a good friend of mine, Don, passed away. He was a brother in the Lord, a fellow choir member, and basic all around good guy. He was taken away so suddenly, and many were shocked at his passing. I spoke with many who knew him, and everyone said the same thing...."Don was always there, and now he's not - I guess I just took him for granted."
At that time, God tapped me on the shoulder and said...."I bring people into your life for a season. Appreciate them and do not take them for granted, for you know not how long the season shall last." It was a message that He would repeat....
In February, My oldest brother Carl passed away. He had been in declining health for several months. But, even though we knew that "sunset" was approaching, his death still took us by surprise and brought us low. He had recently accepted the Lord, which certainly was reason to rejoice, but it was oh so hard to let go. Knowing he is in heaven is a comfort, but it's a bittersweet pill to swallow - wanting to hang on, but knowing we have to let go.
At that time, God tapped me on the shoulder and said...."I bring people into your life for a season. Appreciate them and do not take them for granted, for you know not how long the season shall last."
In April, my Uncle passed away. His name was Sam, just like me (I was actually named after him) and he was the "Patriarch" of the family at age 87. He was the last one remaining from my mother's side of the family (she had 3 brothers and 3 sisters). All of them had died from some form of cancer, and even he had a bout with cancer several years ago, but he was the only one to beat it. Uncle Sam was another person who was always "there"....always lending a helping hand to someone - he'd give you the shirt off his back. He was a welder by trade and a mechanical genius...he could fix or create practically anything. His wife, my Aunt Esther, has been sick for a while now with a stroke and associated complications. He had been faithfully caring for her when he suddenly fell ill, and in a few short weeks, was gone. It was another event that brought us low, but we rested in the fact that God is in control - no matter what.
At that time, God tapped me on the shoulder and said...."I bring people into your life for a season. Appreciate them and do not take them for granted, for you know not how long the season shall last."
In May, a friend and co-worker of mine, Ed, passed away. He had been diagnosed with inoperable cancer back in early February. Just like that, before we knew it, he was gone. Ed and I also happened to grow up in the same neighborhood, just across the street from each other. He was 7 years my senior, so we didn't pal around or anything like that, but I knew him just the same. Through a series of recent events, Ed became employed at my workplace in January 2004, and in May of that year he came to work for me directly. He had a lot of experience in that particular field, and it was really nice to have him there. We had numerous opportunities to get re-acquainted, especially with many "memory-lane" conversations. He was a fine gentleman and I am thankful that the Lord saw fit to bring us together.
I attended his funeral along with many others. While I was there, God tapped me on the shoulder and said...."I bring people into your life for a season. Appreciate them and do not take them for granted, for you know not how long the season shall last."
As you read this....look around you. Take a very close look at the people God has placed in your life. Are you taking them for granted? Do they know how much you care about them? Make it a point to give them a hug, or say something nice, or offer a word of encouragement to each and every one of them. Let them know how much you appreciate them. As you sow those "seeds," I know that your harvest will come back a hundred-fold, and you'll be blessed beyond measure.
God brings people into your life for a season. Appreciate them and do not take them for granted, for you know not how long the season shall last. Remember, the clock is ticking and time is short.......say "I love you" to someone every day!
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