The last hug

This quote reminded me of something I experienced a few years ago: "When we realize that a day is not simply another day added to our lives, but one less day we have to live, we began to appreciate our time more, and focus on the people, moments, and little things that truly matter" (Countryside Therapy, Facebook).

A few years ago, I went to an in-home estate sale where I bought a coat that looked brand new. I was quite proud to find the trash someone else no longer wanted, or needed, had become my treasure.

As you know, yard sales happen in the summer so I did not wear, or even try on the coat, until winter time.

Months later when I tried the coat on, I got quite the surprise and a memory that I will never forget. Tucked in one of the pockets was $78 folded neatly. However, the other pocket is what I've thought of several times over the years.

In the second pocket was a neatly folded to-do list which read, "Go to Kroger. Go to post office. Organize desk. Write. Pay bills." The first three items on the list were marked through with a black line. The last two were not. I wonder why they were never marked as "done".

I've often thought, "Did she ever write what she wanted to write? What was she writing about? Was it a book? Was the book ever finished? Was it a poem or maybe a newspaper article? Did she have time to pay her bills before her life was taken?

I can't help but think, one day we will all leave an unfinished to-do-list.

The Bible says life is but a vapor. James 4:14 says: "Yet you do not know what tomorrow will bring. What is your life? For you are a mist that appears for a little time and then vanishes."

Many times, the Bible describes the fleeting nature of life on earth as short. Like a breath. A vapor. Barely seen. Not so we'll be sad or worried but so we'll think about eternity and where we will spend it.

Jesus said He came to give us eternal life (John 10:28). It's a gift from God when we believe in His Son, Jesus Christ. Accept that gift while you can. Life is short. It's unpredictable. One diagnosis can change everything.

Give the hug. Laugh when you can. Make that call. We never know when it will be the last hug. The last laugh. The last call. The last note that will be left in our coat pocket.