The search for the fountain of life

Recently, a number of my friends have found out some discouraging information about their health. It seems, all their reactions are the same. "This is devastating. My life is coming to an end. I must act quickly. There isn't much time left." I see great fear and sorrow fill their hearts and minds. I see the anguish on their faces as they reflect on the things they may not be able to do in their life because their death is near.

As I listen to person after person, the same thought rings in my mind. "How is your life different today than it was before you received your medical report?" A doctor's opinion does not change one's destiny. A lab result does not guarantee a day and time of death. And yet, it seems person after person expresses the same dark, lamenting attitude that this medical report is their final verdict. Their search for the fountain of life has ended. Their death is eminent.

I feel much compassion for these people. I know how hard it is to come to terms with a new diagnosis. However, I also become very frustrated. Life does not end when a fellow man gives his opinion about your health. Your life, beginning and end, is set by the great Creator. When He says you live, you live. When He says you die, you die. There are few things which are certain in this life--death is one of them. Everyone in the history of the world, with the exception of Enoch and Elijah, has died. Even our Lord and Savior, Jesus, died! I guess I am a bit baffled why people take the news from a doctor with so much gravity when everyone knows his life will end in death. 

Can God miraculously heal us? YES! Can God decide today you are going to die when you slip and fall in your shower? YES! Does God decision to keep us alive depend on our blood cell counts or pathology reports? NO! God does what He wants when He wants. Why do we lose this perspective?

In 2016, I lost a very dear friend of mine, Milly, to Mitochondrial Disease. Her death made me realize Mitochondrial Disease can and does kill people. I witnessed how Milly's death affected her family and friends. I decided I needed to drastically change my life. I needed to live each day as if it was my last. I tell people I love them as much as I can. I send notes of thanks and wish folks a happy birthday. I try always to live my best life today knowing that this might be my last recorded day on earth. Although I still grieve Milly's death, I am thankful God used her life to change mine. I am grateful God allows me to live another day on earth, another day to love the LORD and to share His love with the world.

As we head into another year, my prayer is that people live each day with the anticipation that tomorrow they will die. I know this is a bit gruesome for some people to grasp, but if you knew today was your last day, what would you do differently? Tomorrow may never come. Change your life today.