I’ve been thinking a lot these days about “the last time”. It’s not something we like to consider but probably something we should consider. There have been so many “last times” the past two years.

We think of the last time someone was at church. We didn’t know COVID would take their life before the next Sunday. Or we took a friend or family member to dinner or a play. Before we saw them again, they were gone.

There was a sweet family in your Life Group. You didn’t know the parents had lost their job and they moved to a new state before you could tell them goodbye.

Your parent’s health has been declining for some years, but you didn’t realize when you took them to the doctor last week, it was the last time.

The last high school football game.
The last piano/violin/guitar recital.
The last July Fourth.
The last Christmas.
The last birthday.
The last time you hear their voice.
The last “I love you.”
The last time…

I’m not being negative or sad. I think we just need to stop and consider. Life is so precious. We have so many dear friends and family. In the everyday grind of living, it is so easy to get distracted. We get stressed and don’t extend grace to someone. We forget to say “Thank You” for a kindness. We don’t live as if we belong to Him.

I have experienced so many “last times”. Most of those I didn’t know would be a “last time”. I want to live with others in such a way that if it were a “last time”…I would have no regrets. People would know with certainty how precious they are and how loved they are…I could look forward to Eternity when we see each other again…and there will be no more “last times” …just joy together…forever…with Him.