Like Morning Fog

Like Morning Fog

Your life is like the morning fog—it’s here a little while, then it’s gone. What you ought to say is, “If the Lord wants us to, we will live and do this or that.” Otherwise you are boasting about your own plans, and all such boasting is evil.

James 4:14-16

In our American society we value order, organization, planning. We create systems and charts. We fill in calendars and create schedules. We create five-year plans, set life goals, and make bucket lists. We believe in “doing” for the sense of accomplishment we get. Even though we may not admit it, our plans help us to excel—to compete with others—and even compete with the goals we’ve established for ourselves. And sometimes we’ve become prideful in our sense of self-sufficiency.

We may not boast outwardly, but our deeds speak loud and clear. We are so certain of what we have planned for tomorrow that we become discouraged and overwhelmed when unexpected sickness, injury, natural disasters, and loss force us to change our routines. The Amish are not immune to trouble. Like the rest of us, they make plans and then find themselves disappointed too. What the Amish understand, though, is the beauty of sacrificing time to the Lord. Everything they do takes more time, but that means they have more time to spend with God as they do it.

Do you feel as if your life is a morning fog, here and then gone? Only the things we do for God will last for eternity. Everything else will fade to nothing: “You have made my life no longer than the width of my hand. My entire lifetime is just a moment to you; at best, each of us is but a breath,” says Psalm 39:5.

This is a good reminder to slow down and cherish the time we spend with loved ones. Put aside your five-year plans, life goals, and bucket lists, and instead, refresh your soul and cherish family and friends. Do not boast about what you think is to come. Instead, be thankful for the moments you have today with those you love and with God by your side.

Dear heavenly Father, thank You for Your plans for me. Help me to realize that my life is short. I invite You to walk with me today.