It’s been a while since I’ve participated in the Five Minute Friday writing challenge. But it feels so good to dive back in. If you like to write or need some inspiration and encouragement from others be sure to check it out.
Today word prompt: Moment
It only takes a moment
For everything in your life to change
One moment
And things will never be the same again
Sometimes those are good moments
Filled with happiness, excitement and joy
Other times, it’s a sad or desperate moment
One that you will look back on and wonder
What if
If only
I wish
The thing of it is
We don’t know when those moments are coming
We don’t know
When it will be the last time…
You’ll see that loved one alive
Or the last time you get to say I love you
The final time you will hear their voice
The last message that will come across your phone
When that moment comes
Only then you realize…
No more chances to say I’m sorry, I was wrong, please forgive me
No more opportunities to share the Gospel of Christ
No longer can you tell them what they’ve meant to you
Your words of encouragement will not be heard by the one who needs it the most
No longer will you be able to hold their hand
Look into their eyes
Laugh together so hard it makes you cry
Hug them and feel them hold you tight
So today
For a moment
Take a moment
To be with
To do or say
That which you can’t do
When the one you love has been taken away
Susan Wachtel
October 26, 2018
In light of the recent death of my brother, Michael Bunts, I’m very aware of those moments that have passed and I can’t get back or do over.
When a fellow Christian dies you miss them, are profoundly sad and grieve their loss. But it’s a grief with hope in the knowledge that their life is not over and you will see them again in heaven. They are in the presence of God, where we long to be.
But when it’s someone who doesn’t know the Lord Jesus Christ, or hasn’t repented of their sin and put their faith in the complete and finished work of Jesus Christ on the cross, that’s a sadness without hope for their eternal security.
Even in that profound sadness and loss…there is always hope for the believer based on who God is. Sovereign, Righteous, Holy, Holy, Holy, Compassionate, Truth, Deliverer, Refuge, Strong Tower, Strength, All-Knowing, All-Powerful, Great High Priest, Everywhere Present, Creator, Eternal, Without Beginning and Without End, The Good Shepherd, The Way, The Truth and the Life, The Narrow Gate, Without Sin, Pure, The Lamb of God Who Takes Away the Sin of the World, Resurrected Savior, Kind, Patient, the Mighty God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, Jesus Christ the Son of God, Immanuel, Messiah, Wrathful, Punishes the Wicked, Merciful, Gracious, Just, Judge…and so much more.
Susan's Blog 
My thoughts went along the same lines with the FMF prompt- one single moment can change everything, for good or for bad. I’m sorry for the loss of your brother, but it is amazing that even as we grieve we can have hope in Christ.
Thank you Lesley! Praise God we have hope even in our grief. I really liked your post on Moment…very thought provoking.
Thanks for your wise words, Susan. My condolences for the loss of your brother. Thanks be to God that we can grieve but not as those without hope. Visiting from FMF.
Thank you Esther! I can’t imagine faces these circumstances without the Lord.
My thoughts went this same direction with the prompt “moment” because of the seven year anniversary of the unexpected loss of my dad. Susan, my prayer for you is that you will feel the comfort of God in this time of loss and deep sadness.
Thank you so much Sara! The Lord has brought comfort and peace in the loss of my brother. I loved the tribute you wrote about your dad and his passing. Those moments change us and change our lives.