Original Post Date: Wednesday, July 23, 2008
This is the account of the heavens and the earth when they were created. When the LORD God made the earth and the heavens - and no shrub of the field had yet appeared on the earth and no plant of the field had yet sprung up, for the LORD God had not sent rain on the earth and there was no man to work the ground, but streams came up from the earth and watered the whole surface of the ground - the LORD God formed the man from the dust of the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and the man became a living being. Genesis 2:4-7
Man was sculpted by God's own hand. But a sculpture is not alive. A sculpture can be beautiful and captivating, but it cannot talk, reason or love. God wanted a companion not a decoration for his courtyard.
Every single one of us was formed by God's hand (Jer. 1:5). Not one of us takes our first breath or last except by God's will.
Two of my brothers were stillborn. My mother still grieves for them, yet knows that somehow God's wisdom prevailed. He did not breathe into their nostrils the breath of life. He did not entrust them with the opportunity to live and grow and make their mark in the world. When I think of my brothers, I am convicted that I've not done more with this gift, this privilege we call life.
Life is a series of stolen moments. If we don't cherish them while they're here, they are gone forever. And, at the moment when God chooses, our breath stops and the book of life closes. Nothing therein can be added or changed. One chance, one privilege, one life.
You've written a thought-provoking piece, especially for us older believers, whose stolen moments seem to dwindle faster than the heart can beat. My favorite line is "God wanted a companion not a decoration..." Thanks for your gift. NG
ReplyDeleteI'm glad it was a blessing to you.
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