I arrived at work after taking a few days off ready to hit the ground running. Upon my arrival in the office, I was alerted by a notification of an online emergency meeting starting in 5 minutes time.
“Emergency meeting! I wonder what that is about?” I thought.
5 minutes later, the meeting started and our Manager Director solemnly announced the passing of one of our colleagues in the most unfortunate accident.
I couldn’t believe it! This was a person I saw on Saturday driving his company car in traffic. He was laughing and joyful as he spoke to his colleague in the car. Everything seemed perfect and it was going to be a great weekend. Little did I know that later that day he would be in an emergency room battling for his life in excruciating pain and in a few days he would be no more.
After the announcement, there was a stunned silence as everyone was in shock. There was no warning for this. There was a sudden shift in everyone’s day as it became dark and gloomy.
I remained in silence trying to swallow this bitter pill. Why is the question I kept asking myself.
“Why him? Why did he have to be in that place at that particular time? Why did the driver lose control? Why didn’t the driver use another route?”
I looked at the different scenarios which could have avoided this situation. But nothing could change what had happened. He was no more.
After knocking off that day, I went home and as I am currently reading the bible book of Psalms, this day it was number 39. I found King David’s words at Psalms 39:4-6 timely:
“O Jehovah, help me to know what my end will be, And the measure of my days, So that I may know how short my life is. Indeed, you have made my days just a few; And my life span is as nothing before you. Surely every man, though he seems secure, is nothing but a mere breath. Surely every man walks about like a shadow. He rushes around for nothing. He piles up wealth, not knowing who will enjoy it.”
This made me pause and reflect. It is moments like these that remind us of how fragile life is. The Psalmist echoed this throughout Psalm 39.
One of the most difficult things is to find comfort when tragedy strikes more especially when you lose a loved one. I found this talk I recorded particularly helpful in such times.
Rather than being afraid, such moments should stir us to be more present and appreciate the life that we have now. Let us live each day as though it is our last because one day it will.
Ultimately, who is your hope.? Where does your future lie?
King David asked and answered this question in Psalm 39:7 when he wrote.
“What, then, can I hope for, O Jehovah? You are my only hope.”
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