Making the Most of Time

What do you do with the time you're given?  While much of the world was up in arms at the way young Brittany Maynard chose to end life on earth in the wake of her brain cancer diagnosis, I quietly watched, waited, listened, and learned.  I didn't give a single opinion, post, share, or like, I just learned.  The biggest lesson I've learned is that my remaining life would be best spent modeled from the Bible and those of faith around me.  Here are a few of the passages and people I've learned from.

1. Whether you know the end of your days or not, make more effort to enjoy them, especially when they are good. "Rejoice, O young man, in thy youth; and let thy heart cheer thee in the days of thy youth." - Ecc 11:9a.  When I think about who does this best, is there anyone at our church who does this better than Jarissa Page?  Let's take a lesson from her as we endeavor to smile more and rejoice often.
2. Facing trials with God can bring about joy and other good qualities, not just in us, but in those who help & watch during trials. "Count it all joy, my brethren, when ye fall into many trials;³ Knowing that the proving of your faith worketh patience.⁴ And let patience have its perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, lacking in nothing." - James 1:2-4.  I've been inspired for years by stories of Virgil Wininger, the care he had for his terminally ill wife, and how he joyfully brought her to WCOC. Could it be that God perfects the rest of us too while watching the faithful service of others going through trial?
3. Hope for good is strongly connected to purpose. "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose." - Romans 8:28.  Through observation, whether young or old, those who know God and know they are called for His purpose, handle illness different. They have hope; hope that God can heal them, hope that God will use the time they have left for His glory, hope that their life with God might inspire someone else.  Warren Keller is an excellent example in our church of someone who knows God's purpose and fulfills that purpose with hope even during tough times. 
4. There is a bigger plan than just me and my story. "You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives." - Gen 50:20.  While I don't believe God intends all the bad things that happen, I do believe He can and does use some tough times to bring about a bigger and better plan for His chosen.  Just ask Jason Petty about God's big plans.

We don't have to look any farther than the Bible lived out by members of Washington Church of Christ to find wisdom, hope, joy, and purpose for our lives.  God gives us but a vapor of time to live life.  Let's live it to His glory!
"Whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God." 1 Corinthians 10:31b