WHAT IF?
We all know deep down inside that anything is possible in this life. We have dreams, hopes, and we have fears. Our greatest fears normally consist of those “What If” moments that we know are possible, but we pray we never personally face in our lifetime. Tonight, one of my dear friends and co-workers faced one of those “What If” reality moments that we all pray we never face.
Her daughter was on her way back home when the SUV she was driving flipped and ejected her through the window. Allie was her oldest daughter and a freshmen in college. Shortly after her accident a police officer knocked on their door to inform them that their daughter had been in a very bad accident and was rushed by helicopter to a nearby Hospital.
Upon arrival at the hospital, her mom and dad were informed that not only was their daughter in critical condition, but that unless God chose to perform a miracle there was nothing doctors could do to keep her stay alive. Practically anyone would have said before this car accident occured that their daughter had all of life in front of her.Even with this not being my child, I found myself standing there in shock, disbelief, and hurting so deeply for this couple who I know dearly loved their little girl.
So many things go through your mind. Could this really be happening? Is this reality or am I having a bad dream. Earlier that day, things seemed like just another day. Everything seemed safe and certain until that officer showed up at their door. All of sudden a “What If” moment that no parent wants to experience was experienced. About six hours later when Ali’s heart quit beating in that ICU room that “What If” became reality.
Now, I would never suggest that we should ever wake up and hope for bad things to happen. However, I do believe that we all have to live each day with the realistic perspective that the “What If” could happen at anytime. What if one of my loved ones are not here tomorrow? What if I never have another chance to talk with my wife, my children, or one of my friends again? What if things don’t work out the way I planned?What if, What if, What if?
There are endless possibilities to what could happen at the end of any day. And, I would like to suggest that we don’t dwell on the “What Ifs”, but rather live with the “What ifs” in mind. Don’t wait on that “What If” moment to happen, but do all you can while you can to make the most of the moment in front of you. Because we don’t know what will happen tomorrow or even by the end of the day. Make sure God is your anchor today, so that you won’t fall apart tomorrow. Tell those you love how much they mean to you now and don’t take a single moment you have together for granted. Because as I was reminded tonight a “What If” moment can happen when you least expect it.
(Colossians 4:5) says, …”Make the most of every opportunity.”
(James 4:13-17) 13 Now listen, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business and make money.” 14 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. 15 Instead, you ought to say, “If it is the Lord’s will, we will live and do this or that.” 16 As it is, you boast in your arrogant schemes. All such boasting is evil. 17 If anyone, then, knows the good they ought to do and doesn’t do it, it is sin for them.
Pastor Craig Crosby 