How Long Will I be Here?

Someone I know and respect lost his brother this week. He posted this music video. Ever since I watched it the words and melody have been running through my head.

The man who died--sounds like he was an amazing person, and a blessing to many.

He was 54 when he died.

I am 46.

Many have not made it to the age I am now.

A cousin was only 19 when he succumbed to cancer.

An uncle was only 42 when he left this world.

Some of my great aunts have lived long lives.

They would joke around--"One of our sisters died when she was young, she was 59." (Or was it 69?) Yes, they mostly lived well into their 90's, one (at least) past 100.

And so I ponder again this question: How long will I be here?

Not sure how much time I should spend pondering it.

At this point I don't know the answer, and don't really need to know.

And yet to stop and feel it, the poignancy and mystery of the brevity of life, and the reality that it is beyond our control--not a bad thing.

Somehow, it seems, it is important to learn to hold this reality, to live humbly before it.

And somehow it's important to then, not fritter away our days, make sure they are invested for what matters, lived well--stewarding well the "talents" entrusted to us.