If Tomorrow Never Comes

The last few weeks have been tough ones for our country.  The threat of this dark entity called ISIS is frighteningly real, yet abstract to most.  Mass shootings only happen in other places, to other countries, right?  My own community was recently impacted by a mass shooting.  Though it was not radical Islam driven, the man responsible was indeed a terrorist:  He took our safe community by surprise with his act of terror.  He took the lives of three that day, and impacted hundreds of others as we were forced to realize… It doesn’t only happen in other places.

Garrett Swasey was an elder in his church.  In a recent sermon, he reminded worshippers that life is short and time is running out for all of us. He recalled Douglas MacArthur's admonition that in wartime the cause of failure can usually be summarized in two words: "too late."  Swasey urged his fellow church goers not to make the mistake of thinking that there will be plenty of time later to do the right thing. "Do it today, not tomorrow; not 'let me sleep on it.'  Today — before it's too late."  Twelve days later he was killed by a gunman.

This situation -as well as events in San Bernardino, and even Paris- weigh heavily on my mind.  What if there were no tomorrow, for me or someone I love?  In his final sermon, Swasey stressed the importance of staying focused on what matters most.  His poignant warning that we have less time than we think should give all of us pause.

So in this season where we are berated with words like goodwill; peace; hope; and joy, I challenge you to consider Swasey’s sermon.  What is it that you should do today, before it’s too late?  Are you focused on what is important?  Put down the iPhone and be present.  Spend quality time with the important people in your life.  Hug your son/daughter one more time.  And then again for good measure.

Seeking Shalom, ~Shugie

 

So tell that someone that you love
Just what you're thinking of
If tomorrow never comes

~Garth Brooks