It’s a sobering thought to think that our days are numbered as soon as we are born. To a child an hour can be intolerably long. As a youth we live as though there is no end to our life. In middle age we become a bit more thoughtful of the brevity of life, but concerns to make ends meet pushes this thought into the background. It is in the twilight years that this thought comes more to the fore and we try to come to terms with it. There is nothing morbid about it. It’s like making preparation for a long journey. Once the body is worn out most people are ready for it. Many do so with glad anticipation. The knowledge that life is brief should motivate us to make the best of it.
THE HOUR GLASS
Life ebbs away as soon we’re born.
This of all thoughts is most forlorn.
So true and yet so grim.
Unperturbed fall the grains of sand
Through the glass, as divinely planned.
A fate that none can win.
Pirates of old displayed the glass
On flags, sailing Gibraltar pass.
Symbol of fleeting life.
The glass did share some graves of old.
Proof, life had ended as foretold.
Closing sign on man’s strife.
Note then the grains that still remain.
There’s still much good one can attain.
Legacy one can afford.
There’s One who’ll turn the glass around,
If we’re good and in Him be found.
Providential reward.
VP Nov.7, 2006
Tags: Brevity of life
