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A few months ago, I began working with a cousin of mine in the area of genealogy. I have always enjoyed studying history, but I have never spent a lot of time documenting my family’s history. My cousin’s grandfather was a brother to my grandfather. As we began our journey last spring, we have worked to do online research but also made an effort to reach out to some family members who are still living in an effort gather information. One such family member is my only aunt that is still alive. She is in her early nineties and still has a pretty good memory. A few months ago, I explained to her our plan is to put together a small “booklet” based on our research and distribute our publication to family members. Not giving much thought to what her response would be, she replied to me, “Well, you better hurry! People are leavin’ outta here fast!”
It took me a few seconds to internalize what she had just said and to understand her point! Living almost to the century mark, I’m sure she has attended countless funerals as she has watched friends and family pass away. I am sure she understands what James says “whereas you do not know what will happen tomorrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapor that appears for a little time and then vanishes away” (4:14). Our life is but a moment in time. Luke 19:10 says, “for the Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost.” Let our preparation for eternity cause us to seek Jesus. How much time do we have?
Allen Jones
South Green Street church of Christ
Glasgow, KY