In the Blink of an Eye
“O Lord, make me to know my end, and what is the measure of my days; let me know how fleeting my life is. Behold, you have made my days as handbreadths; my lifetime is as nothing before you; surely every man at his best is a mere breath.” (Psalm 39:4-5)
A tiny newborn is placed in his mother’s arms. The pain of the previous hours begins to fade as she holds him close. She gazes at him with wonder, imagining all the monumental moments that lie ahead.
She studies his precious face as he stretches, discovering the newfound freedom and space his tiny body now enjoys. Yet, he is completely dependent on her. In her mind, she envisions the world he will encounter—the sights his eyes will take in, the sounds his ears will hear, and the thoughts his mind will one day hold. Drawing him closer, their skin softly touching, she marvels at the miracle nestled in her arms.
The mother closes her eyes for a moment. When she opens them again, her son is a man. In the blink of an eye, life has passed by. The pain resurfaces—not the pain of labor but the ache of love poured into a life. A labor of nurturing, guiding, and watching him grow, only to see him uprooted. Looking upon her child with wonder, she sees clearly the monumental moment just days ahead.
What will his eyes see? What will his ears hear? What thoughts encircle his mind now as he lies still in his mother’s arms, preparing for what is to come?
In the brief lifespans my sons, Leo and Trent, experienced, they seemed to grasp the fleeting nature of life. They understood that it’s not the quantity of days but the quality of how those days are lived that truly matters.
Both Leo and Trent were deeply aware that their time on earth was limited. Yet, instead of despair, they chose to dedicate their days to knowing Jesus more intimately. They didn’t stop there—they shared that knowledge, bringing others along on their journey. With love and intention, they planted seeds of faith in the hearts of those around them, helping others grow to know Him as well.
