The weight of this time we must obey; speak what we feel, not what we ought to say. – From Shakespeare’s King Lear

If you only had one day left on earth, what would you say to your spouse?

Like many of you, I have been overwhelmed by the tragedy in Haiti. My heart has been broken as I’ve looked at pictures, read articles and watched video footage of the devastation that has occurred for tens of thousands of people. In the wake of the earthquake, so many lives have been lost and families are destroyed in a matter of moments.

The earthquake in Haiti is a powerful reminder of how fragile this life really is. Not just for those in Haiti, but for all of us. None of us are promised tomorrow. And yet …

…we often live as if life has no end.

…we are guilty of withholding love and words until a later time.

…we can justify holding on to hurts and grudges, instead of engaging in conversation.

…we live as if we have thousands of tomorrows remaining.

…we wait for those tomorrows and we miss so many todays.

I’m reminded of these lyrics from an old song, Love Me Now, by Brook Benton:

If you’re ever going to love me
Love me now
And if you have something
Good to tell me, tell me now

Darling, don’t wait til I’m gone
Then chisel it in marble
On an ice cold stone
If you’re ever going to love me
Love me now

Why put off for tomorrow
What we should do today
There may not be a tomorrow
Life is funny that way

So if you’re ever going to love me
Love me now
If you’re ever going to love me
Love me now

Cherish today. Keep short accounts. Speak words of love. Engage passionately.

Jeff Helton
Marriage and Family Pastor
+ Fellowship Bible Church
+ 50 Fridays Challenge