(The following article by Steve Higginbotham grabbed my attention this past week. As he relates how he feels hearing his daughter tell him that she’s engaged to be married, it struck a cord with me. Of course I’m considerably older than Steve, but that has given me more opportunities to feel what he felt. We have gone through this experience with our son (Rick) and daughter (Beth). Then some years later our granddaughters (Rick and Crystal’s daughters), including the youngest (Sarah) recently. Another granddaughter (Beth’s oldest, Kaitlin) also had recently informed us that she will be getting married on May 8. With all of these Doris and I bring up memories of their childhood, and wonder where have all the years gone! The memories have been “precious memories,” and ones we will treasure all our remaining years. But life goes on, and things will never again be the same. As you read Steve’s article, ponder the brevity and seriousness of life. Every life has a purpose in God’s plan, and it is hoped that your desire is to fit into His plan. –Ron)

Sunday night I received a phone call from my daughter. After I said “hello,” on the other end of the line I heard my daughter excitedly say, “Daddy, I’m engaged!”

But how can that be? It was just last week that I was holding her in my arms for the very first time, being surprised by her big dimples. It was just yesterday that she was swinging on her swing set in the back yard, singing at the top of her lungs for the whole neighborhood to hear. How could the little girl that I just taught to ride a bike be getting married?

My, how time flies! But I should already know that. James told us that when he said our life is like a vapor that appears for a short time and vanishes away (James 4:14). The phone call I received from my daughter on Saturday night was a reminded to me to make the best use of the time we have. Not just with reference to our families, but to our God as well. Before we all realize it, we’ll all receive a “call” from God. When that call comes, will you be prepared? Give it some thought.

From THE SOWER, APRIL 18, 2010
ARTHUR (IL) CHURCH OF CHRIST
RON BARTANEN, MINISTER