The Fragility of Life

Life is fragile. We all know it. Some of us learn to embrace it. Others choose not to think about it. But the truth remains and we cannot run from it. One moment, we are alive and well. The next moment, we are gone from this world. One minute, we are content with the pleasures and sensuality of life. The next minute, death stares at us straight in the eyes.

We often try to brush aside any thoughts of death and of our own mortality; as if by doing so we can escape it. We somehow have this idea that by not thinking about it, we can enjoy our life more. Yet, no matter how hard we try, the nearness and reality of death will always knock on the doors of our minds when we least expect it, to ever remind us that our time is coming. Each time we hear about a death in the news; each time a beloved of ours or a friend of ours dies; we are dragged back into reality. Soon, it will be our turn.

This reality hit me again today when I received news that my grandfather had been hospitalized. He had been bleeding during urination and had lost so much blood that he became very weak. My aunt told me that it was serious and asked me to pray for him. I became quite anxious and feared for the worst. I wondered if I would ever be able to see my grandpa here on earth again, and started to regret not spending more time with him when I had the chance.

This episode really hit me hard. I was reminded again of the fragility of life. I realize that sweeping this inescapable fact under the rug makes no sense. I need to learn to face it, and to live each day as if it could be the last day of my life, or even the last day of the lives of my loved ones. I will never know if I will ever see them again. I am glad for the hope that we have in Jesus, as this gives us something to hold on to. It even gives us something to look forward to on the other side of death. Life is fragile, but we know that it is in our heavenly Father’s hands. We also know what lies beyond: Paradise, our real home…

Lord, you have been our dwelling place
throughout all generations.
Before the mountains were born
or you brought forth the earth and the world,
from everlasting to everlasting you are God.

You turn men back to dust,
saying, "Return to dust, O sons of men."
For a thousand years in your sight
are like a day that has just gone by,
or like a watch in the night.
You sweep men away in the sleep of death;
they are like the new grass of the morning-
though in the morning it springs up new,
by evening it is dry and withered.

We are consumed by your anger
and terrified by your indignation.
You have set our iniquities before you,
our secret sins in the light of your presence.
All our days pass away under your wrath;
we finish our years with a moan.
The length of our days is seventy years-
or eighty, if we have the strength;
yet their span is but trouble and sorrow,
for they quickly pass, and we fly away.

Who knows the power of your anger?
For your wrath is as great as the fear that is due you.
Teach us to number our days aright,
that we may gain a heart of wisdom.

Relent, O LORD! How long will it be?
Have compassion on your servants.
Satisfy us in the morning with your unfailing love,
that we may sing for joy and be glad all our days.
Make us glad for as many days as you have afflicted us,
for as many years as we have seen trouble.
May your deeds be shown to your servants,
your splendor to their children.

May the favor of the Lord our God rest upon us;
establish the work of our hands for us-
yes, establish the work of our hands.

~Psalms 90