Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away. James 4:14, KJV

Not long ago my mother passed away. During a recent trip to visit my widower stepfather, I took time to rummage through some of the stuff my mother had accumulated throughout her sixty-five years. While foraging, I discovered a myriad of memories: pictures, report cards, handmade “I love you Mommy!” cards, all pertaining to my sister, myself, or both. A long-forgotten childhood flashed back to the fore of my conscious; images of a young mother with young children danced around in my mind. The memories were sweet and savory, and for them I am grateful.

During my stroll down memory lane, I stumbled across four pieces of paper I had never seen before: promotion slips to second, third, and fourth grades and a notification of high school graduation. The name on each of the slips of paper? My mother’s. Instantly before my mind’s eye stood a little girl the same age as my younger daughter. Then, in a flash, stood a more mature girl, the same age as my son. Next, there was a young woman, not much older than my older daughter. Finally came a string of images of an aging woman who, not long ago, left this world behind. An entire life of sixty-five years came and went like a puff of smoke, leaving behind it a legacy of love.

Between my mother’s life and my own, I surveyed over one hundred years of life in mere moments. As two generations of my family flashed before my eyes, I understood in a way I never have before what God meant in James 4:14. For what indeed is your life? It is a vapour that appears but for a little time, and then vanishes away.

When your time comes and those you love are rummaging through the piles you’ve collected over the years, what will they find? What kind of legacy will they uncover? If you don’t like the answer to that question, it’s time to change the direction of your life – while you still can. Make your life count for something worthwhile for the Lord and for others! Don’t waste it!