The countdown to moving from East Devon to Cambridge is on for me and my family.
Our move came quite unexpectedly for us – another one of those reminders that God works in mysterious ways.
Suddenly we are realising that it is nearly too late to see all the beautiful places around here that we’ve always intended to and never got round to visiting.
This wasn’t helped by nearly getting to Canonteign Falls when our car’s cam belt snapped. (For non mechanics this turns out to be a very bad thing).
This is not the first time this has happened. My last weekend in Upminster was spent visiting the Windmill and Museum I had driven past at least weekly for 13 years. Turns out they were both really interesting. We squeezed in a trip to Greenway as we left Torbay. Also fabulous.
I don’t think it is just me, although procrastination is one of my foibles. I think as humans we have an inbuilt positive outlook that there is always tomorrow.
But sometimes there isn’t! James writes this in the Bible “What do you know about tomorrow? How can you be so sure about your life? It is nothing more than mist that appears for only a little while before it disappears.” It’s a bit of a depressing statement in a sense, this reminder that our lives are so short and inconsequential in the grand scheme of things. James goes on to say our life plans are actually in God’s hands (as I know all too well!).
What I take from James’ words is that as we can’t know what the future brings, we should make the most of every day. Go on a trip. Eat the cake. Make the phone call. Tell someone you love them. Make sure the oil level in your car is correct. Do something life affirming every day.
This will bring delight to us and delight to God – who doesn’t see us as a wisp of fog but much beloved children.