This past Saturday morning we received some painful news. A family that we have known through being pastors of sister churches in the Phoenix area for over 30 years revealed the greatest pain a parent and family can experience. Their young adult son was murdered by gun fire as he sat in his car, preparing to leave his home to go lead their church’s worship team practice. This reality rocked our hearts and minds, for we can’t even begin to understand or feel the overwhelming pain and stifling grief of our dear friends.

All afternoon after hearing this heartbreaking news my mind raced, and my soul was bombarded with all kinds of emotions. Couple this tragedy with the numerous events that have impacted the people of God over the last few weeks, the assassination of Charlie Kirk and the loss of a number of spiritual leaders. I was in need of some clarity and calmness from above. After prayer my heart settled down upon this thought: We have no guarantees, and only One knows the length of our days. And He is the only one in real control. So we need to set our heart and minds with this truth:

So be careful how you live. Don’t live like fools, but like those who are wise. Make the most of every opportunity in these evil days. Ephesians 5:15,16

Can I encourage you to make the most of every opportunity. How? Let me suggest a couple of ways:

1. Love your family, spouse, kids and grandkids. Don’t allow petty weirdness get in the way, forgive easily, grab and hug them, share love and pray for these precious gifts, given to you. We don’t know what tomorrow brings.

2. Forsake bitterness and choose to be a builder of hope and grace in the lives of people.

3. Share Jesus with someone as you are being led by the Holy Spirit. The Spirit wishes to use you to make lasting spirit imprints on your friends, family and coworkers. Lean into Him and listen, for He will gift you with seeds of the eternal to drop into those around you. Go be brave.

Remember these three things remain, and they will stick forever: faith, hope and love.