Life's but a vapor

The Scriptures ask the question: “For what is your life?” The answer to this important question reads: “It is even a vapor that appears for a little time and then vanishes away.” As a child, I was told that the older I became, the faster time would go. I chuckled then, but time had a way of punctuating the truth of that long-ago prediction.

As I daily continue to evaluate my real purpose in life, I realize that the speed of our frantic lifestyles often leaves little time for contributing to the well-being of those we profess to love and care about. A note, phone call, or just a genuine “how are you doing?” are the vitamins of spirit that just may suit the need of a particular time or situation.

After close observance in my friends’ passings, I am convinced that the amazing organization fondly and respectfully known as Hospice abundantly fills a need beyond all expectation.

I have observed Marion County, Harrison County, and Monongalia County services in action. Their contributions go far beyond professionalism. They convey genuine caring to the patient and also to their family. The loving staffs of Hospice are a priceless community treasure for which we all should be forever grateful.

In our merry-go-round whirl of seemingly necessary involvement, we should periodically attempt to apply the brakes and smell the roses a bit. Some around us may scoff at our efforts to make a difference in life on a personal basis. But their time of need will inevitably arrive, and they then will fully understand the need for personal assistance and encouragement.

As my friends leave, I often have regrets about the missed opportunities of expressing my feelings to them. Some may think me a “more mature” fellow rambling on about the deaths of my close friends and neighbors. But maybe a few will take inventory of their procrastination and lack of interest in the needs of those they love and appreciate.

As we grow older, we are aware of the shortened time remaining for us to make a difference in the lives around us. Thinking that one person cannot make a difference is grossly incorrect. The life-changing moments in our lives are generally made on a one-to-one basis.

No one has all the answers. No one always acts upon their best judgments. No one performs the right service in all the right situations. No one is free from having intentions that never reach fulfillment. But each of us can make life a little better in a personal way throughout life’s journey.

Contributions in life cannot be judged correctly by length, but they must be judged by their breadth of service and caring. Life is but a vapor that soon vanishes. Let’s make it count by unselfishly sharing of ourselves. Life must be lived fully to be fully appreciated.