Into the Fire

A former employer of mine and my husband’s passed away this week. We didn’t realize he’d been ill for quite some time, mostly because since he retired from horse racing, he’s lived on the other side of our state. He was only 69 years old.

As in most careers, some employers can be gems, others can be germs. This man was a nice guy, an accomplished horseman and prolific trainer, and an all-around good employer. Plus he was a friend in later years after we became trainers and before we all left the track.

Mortality always has a way of asserting itself into our lives. We are not indestructible, and we will die. God knows the number of our days, but most of us don’t and don’t want to know. In fact, we don’t really want to consider the end of our days. But there are always reminders.

Those reminders should make us look to our Creator and the relationship we have in Jesus with Him. It’s critical we keep that relationship intact because our life depends on it. Our life after death.

It’s especially sad when an associate leaves this earth, and we’re not sure where their eternity will be. Those funerals are usually filled with tears.

The unforeseen farewells can come at any time bringing the stark realization that life is tentative, precious, and out of our hands. We need to remember there is a purpose to this life beyond earning money, establishing reputations, gaining status, and all the things the world tells us is of importance. Life in Christ demands we realize that without Him, people are perishing in their sins. In other words: going to their deaths without Jesus, without salvation, without hope of heaven, and on their way to eternity in hell. Eternity. That’s forever. That’s true sorrow.

Goodbyes are inevitable. We will all say them. Some will tear us apart with grief. Others will remind us of our destinies. But they will come.

Father, I ask for your heart in all matters of life. Let me always represent you affirmatively and without hesitation to this lost and dying world. Help me to see through your eyes and to give hope and grace to people. We are all desperate for you, Lord. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.