One of the pictures was of my High School Graduation made of a friend and I walking down the aisle of our school in our graduation caps and gowns to receive our diplomas.  This picture brought back many memories and also thoughts about our lives as Christians while here on this earth.  Looking back should make us all look forward, as the days go by so fast.
                                   
I remembered the week of our Graduation and recalled events as I looked at the old black and white photo.  The young man who was to march down the aisle with me had been told he would not get to graduate with the rest of our class.  He had missed a test, or needed an extra grade, and was told he would first be required to make it up, as I remember. 
This was bad news that particular May day and we felt a mistake must have surely been made.
                                    
I recalled several of our Senior class setting on the front steps of our School figuring up grades in hopes all would receive their diplomas on the same night.  Billy was so very disappointed, and I suppose I was just as disappointed, not only because of his being told he could not graduate on the scheduled night, but learning at the last minute I would have to walk down the aisle alone, as he had been picked to march with me on this night as we were assigned partners.  What could have been disappointment to be remembered for a long time turned into joy.  Billy was later called into the Principal's Office and informed that everything was going to be alright after all. 
                                  
The good news was he would get to graduate, just as planned, with the rest of our class.  Not only was he happy, we all were glad as this was the moment we each had waited for so very long.  As I looked at this picture of us walking down the aisle of our high school gymnasium together, I noticed the look of sadness on both our faces even though it was a happy occasion.  We were graduating and getting ready for the days ahead in college, some in marriage, or a new job, each facing a yet uncertain future.  Although we had happiness and knew the best days were ahead, we were still a little sad to know our high school days had forever ended.  We would be leaving our friends and probably never all be together again as we had been for the past few years. 
                                    
Looking back at this same picture and group picture a few days ago, I saw the faces of friends who have already departed this life and it seems their days were so very short on this earth.  I thought about our lives in this world.  We are never guaranteed tomorrow but we have a gift of life today.  We never know who will be next, but we do know there is an appointed time for all.  We are also all called to be God's children and accept his plan for our lives, it matters not if we are old or young.  If we know the Lord, we can look forward to the future with joy in our hearts.  We may not know what the future holds, but we know who holds tomorrow.  All things will work out for our good when we love the Lord.
                                    
Many hate to leave their friends in the world to commit themselves to the service of the Lord. 
Many hold on to the world and try to serve the Lord when he calls them to leave all and follow him completely.  The excuses so many give today will not stand when they are presented to God on the final day.  Finishing life's course is what our Christian walk is all about.  If we never get to walk through
those Gates of Pearl into the halls of Heaven, our  life on this earth has been spent in vain.  Each day there is a new lesson we can learn and grow in his grace as we stay in "his grip."  Just like school where we learn for many years, life is a schoolmaster also. The Master Teacher is our Lord and by his Holy Spirit and others, he teaches us the many lessons of living by faith to help us graduate one day into God's eternal Kingdom. 
                                 
If we do not apply ourselves on this side of life, there will be no more chances.  If we fail or miss the tests on this side, there will be no more schools or chances to make up what we could have already accepted and accomplished.  When the trumpet of our Lord sounds, this life and time of proving our faith is over.  There will be no more refiguring to see if one is counted worthy or no second chances. God gives us second chances here, as he is such a loving and merciful God.  It is up to us to accept his will and walk in his ways.  We determine our future standing with God by our present standing in Christ daily.  One day soon, this life as we know it will end for all.
                                
What we do with today counts for all our tomorrows. When we finish this course and enter heaven, God will wipe away all tears.  If we knew the friends who would be left behind on that day, it should break our hearts today.  Yet, day by day, there are many slipping into eternity we once enjoyed life with who thought their days would never end so soon.  Time really does slip away fast or what many refer to as "the good ole days." Many need someone to remind them life is as a vapor but eternity is forever. 
                                   
In Job 32: 7 we read, "Days should speak, and multitude of years should teach wisdom."  Our days and years teach us as God is in our days and years. David the Psalmist tells us in Psalms 90: 12, "So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom."

                                 
Are we counting our days to see and remember that they are only as the grass? If so, we see we need to apply our hearts unto wisdom.  If we do not take every opportunity to study, pray and assemble together in worship as we see that day approaching, we could miss eternity with God.   If we do not help tell others of Jesus, they may not be in that number to hear our Lord say,  "well done, thou good and faithful servant" and to enter into the rest of the Lord."
                                   
There are many things which can keep one from entering heaven, and we must apply ourselves
to the things that are important each day.   Many never discipline themselves to learn God's Word
or pray, and when storms of life come their way, they fall along the wayside as a tree without roots. 
Those rooted and grounded in God will stand strong as they have a sure foundation.
                                 
May we always remember to apply our hearts to wisdom and understanding as we seek God's will and ways.  He will answer our prayers and give us wisdom and understanding.  Everything we need to prepare ourselves for eternity with God has been freely provided.  Let's share Jesus and care for others as we look to God who is always there. 
                                    
If you have parents, Grandparents or other relatives living today, you are blessed.   They may just be waiting to tell you about their "good ole days" as their time slips away.  "Listening" to those we love is also an opportunity to show God's love one for another.

                                       
Let us believe and receive of the Lord each day as he abundantly blesses us and always give thanks with a grateful heart.  The best is yet to come for the child of God.

Blessings in Christ,
Jo Ann
J. P.'s Inspirations (c) 2002