Last Times

     Lori's chubby knees flew across the floor, as peels of laughter bubbled up from inside . . . she was such a fast baby.  Her mother watched from nearby and wished these days could last, but she knew in her heart it wasn't possible.  Her little Lori was pulling up on furniture daily and testing her little legs to see if they would carry her better than her calloused, experienced knees. 

     How could her mother know this would be the LAST time she would crawl?  If she'd known, she would have reached for the camera to capture it just one more time. 

     Tomorrow baby Lori would discover the inevitable truth -- legs are faster than knees, and this stage would be gone forever!  The LAST time.

     ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

     Mike's briefcase was in hand and his coat zipped up tight . . . a late night meeting demanded he miss another night at home.  His lips brushed against his wife's forehead and he whispered his goodbyes.  His wife, Nancy, knew she would be asleep long before her husband was home  -- she responded with a brief farewell, although she still fought the frustration that simmered under the surface. 

     How could she know this would be the LAST time she would kiss her husband goodbye?  If she'd known, she would've let go of those trivial issues and fully embraced the moment.

     This night a drunk driver would take Nancy's husband from her, and he would be gone to eternity!  The LAST time.

     ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

     Two examples of LASTS -- one ends in healthy development and one in tragedy, but neither was anticipated.  That is often the way it is with LASTS. 

     We spend our lifetimes waiting for FIRSTS, don't we?

• the first breath
• the first smile
• the first tooth
• the first step
• the first word
• then later... the first time behind a wheel
• the first date

     But how aware are we of LASTS?

• the last time they will crawl
• the last time they will nurse
• the last time they will fit in the sink for a bath
• the last time they will need us to tie their shoes
• then later... last time they will hold our hand
• the last time they will live under our roof

     David asked the Lord in Psalm 39:4 to, "Show me, O Lord, my life's end and the number of my days; let me know how fleeting is my life." 

     David cried out for the balance that comes from knowing each day is a gift of its own.

     God doesn't purpose for any of us to live in fear that tragedy will strike, but neither does He want us to take life for granted.  The people God has strategically placed in our lives -- spouses, children, relatives, friends -- need to be treasured for each moment we are given with them. 

     Let go of the petty frustrations.

     Embrace the celebrations of the day.

     God, show us how temporary our life on earth is and how we can make the most of the minutes we have with those we love!  Bring the perspective that we must have to live each day to the fullest of what You intend for us!

"Now, Lord, what do I look for?

My hope is in You."

Psalm 39:7