Oh, Fleeting This!

 Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. 

What is your life? 

You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes.

James 4:14

Brothers, as an example of patience in affliction, 

take the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord.

 See how blessed we consider those who have persevered. 

You have heard of Job’s perseverance and have seen the outcome from the Lord. 

The Lord is full of compassion and mercy. 

James 5:10-11 

Today's reflection is inspired in part by the book of James

and this morning's Daily Bread Devotion

Oh, fleeting This; how much we miss

If we are deaf and numb and blind

To He who lends what slips and wends

From mercy’s Hands to humankind

What wasted leap of wake and sleep

If we have tasted wonder’s bliss

With heart-doors barred, stone-cold and hard

Primed with a sword and traitor’s kiss

Man’s days and years like mist appears

Its measure beyond our control

What awful dread accosts the dead

Who disregard the Deathless Soul

What empty noise composes joys

Reliant on frail circumstance

What futile plain of grief and pain

If we scorn God and cling to chance

Oh fleeting This; how much we miss

Before full horror meets its mark

As love and grace withdraws its Face

And Light gives way to endless Dark

Dearly beloved, each life approved

By He who grants its sacred lease

Pray we revere Time’s fleeting Here

Before hope's day of grace will cease

© Janet Martin