The Changes of Life

In 20 days I will turn 65 years old. I know in my heart that 65 is not really that old for the men and women of today, however, I also know in my heart that I have more life behind me than ahead of me. I am particularly aware of the shortness of life this week because one of our fellow ministers, Dwain Saunders, passed away suddenly at the age of 60 just a few days ago. It makes me ever so conscious that it is more and more important to make the most of every day and to appreciate and be thankful for every day we are given. We enter this world naked and with nothing and we leave this world naked and with nothing. Only those things that we have done for Jesus will count when we face our maker. Those times that we have given help to someone in need will count. Those times that we have shown care, love and concern will count. The sacrifices we have made to tell the story of Jesus will count. "Whatever you have done for the least of these my brothers." These words must be the guide for our footsteps and He - Jesus - must be the light for our feet. The Prayer of St. Francis gives us the words - "Where there is hatred let me bring love, where there is darkness - light, sadness - joy; to be loved as to love; to consoled as to console." It is as we give ourselves that we truly find life. Dwain was such a person. He worked among those who live in the inner city and gave them all that he had.