Less track in front of the train than behind it...

My dad just turned 80 last Friday--Wasn't he a handsome fellow as a high school senior?  

But in celebrating his birthday I was challenged to once again this year think about how I spend my life. What is the legacy I am building.  Is what I spend my time, energy and money on really worthwhile?  What will be said of me when I am gone?

I've been blessed that both my parents are still living-but celebrating your dads 80th makes you THINK that there is less track in front of the train than behind it...and the days, they pass so quickly.

This year I have been reminded of this over and over again.  An uncle who will turn 80 next week was diagnosed with cancer, his wife dies unexpectedly, friends of my daughter are killed in an automobile accident and so on.  Life is precious and fragile and we are only promised today.  With all these reminders I still find it a challenge to live each day to it's fullest potential.  I pray that I can embrace each moment as an opportunity to do what is most important.  To not waste it on petty irritations (it is my choice, isn't it?), to enjoy the view in front of me, to savor each and every moment and to CHOOSE to do work that will ultimately benefit the kingdom.