“Your eyes saw me when I was formless; all (my) days were written in
Your book and planned before a single one of them began.”
– Psalm 139:16

Life is precious! We were reminded of that in 2016, with the tragic death of Miami Marlins pitcher Jose Fernandez. So young, so full of life and a future filled with promise. At the age of twenty-four, Fernandez had accomplished so much. He posted a 38-17 record with a 2.58 ERA and averaged 11.2 strikeouts per nine innings. He won the National League Rookie of the Year Award and made two All-Star teams. He had a passion for baseball, and his smile radiated the joy of being able to play the game he loved. Players and fans loved him. He had overcome a great deal to become a Major League pitcher. Fernandez escaped Cuba with his mother and sister after three failed attempts. He learned a new language and became a United States citizen in 2015. He was back on track after rehab from Tommy John surgery. To the Latino community in South Florida, Fernandez was an inspiration and source of pride.

Life if unpredictable! With the news of Fernandez’s death, we were once again reminded that we can’t predict the future. The hard truth is we don’t know how much time we have on this earth. God does not promise us tomorrow, only today. Where does that leave us? First, we need to decide how we’re going to live in this world. I think Jose Fernandez had it figured out in some areas of his life. He lived with a passion for life and found joy all around him. Second, we need to decide how we’re going to live when we leave this world. Through His Son, Jesus Christ, God has promised each of us a way we can live with Him for eternity. The decision is up to us! Yes, no and maybe later are our choices. If we chose maybe later, that time may never come. Think about it!

Heavenly Father, thank You for life. Help me live this day with passion and joy as though it’s my last. Give me the boldness to share the love of Christ with someone today. Amen.