JUST BEING THERE

So many of the best movies and songs are reaching, even touching, but not 'knowing'. Tragedy is not so much that we lost the past or even the future, but that we have lost - right here right now - this present moment. We sit with our loved ones and ask somewhere deep within if we have ever really known this loved one.
 
Eternity is in the hearts of mankind. (Eccl 3:11) This side of eternity was dealt a fatal blow. Truly. Through our sin, our rebellion against God. Life crumpled to its knees, and rock was no longer built on for life, but cut into for tombs. The most shocking story of all time, costing God his life and you and I ours, is the 'Gospel'.
 
The story and spirit of death being put to death, and blowing through our streets now in spirit to carry us to everlasting life. Read it, and enter it (John 4:24; 10:9).
 
But here and now I am struck by these sleeping beauties, my loved ones. I sit here doing everything, by doing nothing, by not moving. They will wake soon, and I know they hurt to rise and see me gone. I will stay here. My nothing is their everything. I look at them and wonder how, when, and will I ever take in this miracle before it is gone. Oh, Jesus, help me to 'be still and know you are God' (Psalm 46:10), and to be still and know what and who God has given me for a short while.