Don’t Take Even One Day for Granted

“Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes.” James 4:14 NIV

“Don’t take even one day for granted… not one moment… make the most of every day you’ve been given and run your race with all you have until you make it to the final finish line and hear the words, ‘Well done good and faithful servant’” Those were just some of the words Pastor Luke spoke at the funeral of Rudy Zevallos Jr., aka Junior, that my husband and I attended alongside some of the Frog Hill team yesterday. At only 18 years of age, this sweet young man with so much promise collapsed at the finish line of our Frog Hill Half Marathon on Saturday, October 5, having completed the goal he had set for himself to finish under two hours. And although Rudy’s untimely passing filled his family and friends with sorrow, we could all rejoice in the midst of our sadness knowing that the moment Rudy finished his earthly race here, he entered into the gates of Heaven… all because Rudy had made the choice to accept Jesus as his Savior. 

And, you know, as tragic as the passing of Rudy was, his early and unanticipated departure from this world serves as a reminder to all that no one knows “what will happen tomorrow.” Which begs the question James asked, “What is your life?” And the answer of course is that each one of us is “a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes.” Which is the very reason we should never fail to properly appreciate God and all that God has given us… namely the free gift of eternal life given through his son Jesus Christ, and our friends and family who are priceless gifts as well.  

So, in the words of Pastor Luke, don’t take even one day for granted my friend. Plan for the future, but live each day as it could be your last… serving the Lord with all your heart and loving others as you are called to do… knowing that in this way, you might lead the lost to Jesus so that they too can one day hear the words Rudy heard as he entered Heaven, “Well done good and faithful servant.” 

Heavenly Father, thank You for the promise of eternal life that You have given to every person who makes the choice to accept You as their Savior. Thank You for the comfort that brings to Rudy’s family today as they hold onto the promise that their son is now with the Father. Lord, help us to live each day to the fullest, doing all that we can to lead the lost to You. It’s in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!