Your Cousin Steve

3 O Lord, what is man that you regard him, or the son of man that you think of him? 4 Man is like a breath; his days are like a passing shadow.

Many fail to see the encouragement in verses like this. It forces them to think of their impending death. Bummer. Death is like an estranged relative that we try our best to ignore only to be face to face a few times a year. But perhaps even more damaging are the people who are so heavenly minded, that they are of no earthly good. Longing for heaven, they ignore the temporal in fear of enjoying life.

So what are we to do with this question of death?

First, realize that evil will pass but good will evolve. The things in your life that are constant frustrations (i.e. politics, computers, and empty coffee cups) will fade under the weight of our inevitable demise. The things that seem to have the most power today, will disappear tomorrow. Yet all that is good has a longer shelf life. God fathers good and all things sacred flow from his identity. As creation evolves, it becomes more beautiful as Christ is recreating his seemingly damned masterpiece. The quicker we get to absolution, the quicker we get to this thriving beauty which is often overshadowed by the haunting shadows within us.

If this passage is anything, it should serve as a reminder. What you are currently doing is important, just not that important. Thrive and live. Laugh and breathe. The shadow dissolves quickly but only to make way to a rising sun. The creator knows you, and his creation is calling for your attention. Go with a raging peace.