“How do you know what your life will be like tomorrow? Your life is like the morning fog—it’s here a little while, then it’s gone. What you ought to say is, “If the Lord wants us to, we will live and do this or that.”” 

James 4:14-15

This big guy came to visit me on the Mississippi River last week. At first, I was a little alarmed at his size, but as my curiosity arose, he kind of brought me joy as I studied the creation in front of me. He was ordinary in the fact that his color was mothlike, but those big fuzzy antennae intrigued me. And as I researched the Polyphemus (or eyespots) Moth, I discovered this was a rare sighting as this moth only lives for up to a week. But even though his life is short, he knows what his purpose is. His sole objective is to find a mate with those radar antennae of his. I’m awful glad that he didn’t decide I was a good mate, but I’m glad that he came to visit because our brief time together has brought me many hours of enlightenment.

And it makes me wonder, what impact does our brief presence leave behind? Do we live on purpose each and every day as to enlighten and encourage others, or are we so focused on tomorrow, that we miss the opportunities to sow what’s expected of today?

When Moses was leading the Israelite’s to the promised land, they would follow the fiery cloud. It would either move them forward or keep them camped where they were. And sometimes the cloud would settle above camp for two days, a month, or even a year (Numbers 9:22). During that time, they were expected to live for the moment, doing what God asked them to do. But as it’s our natural instincts to always be moving forward, they complained, just as we complain. We want to know what’s next! And we want to get there as soon as possible.

Camping out and letting God use us where we are often brings dissatisfaction because we are searching for identity and purpose in the things that lie ahead.

But in reality, we really have no control over what’s next. Just as the moth had no idea when his last flight would be, we have no idea when our last breath will be breathed.

And as it is good to think and plan for the future, we must also realize every day that life is short, life is fragile, and life is unpredictable. Our identity and purpose is being defined every second of every day. And even though we may not be able to wake up and know exactly what God’s purpose is for us that very day, we should be inspired to live each day with meaning right where we are.

One way to do that is to trust God! We don’t have to figure things out on our own. Ask Him to guide you as you trust Him with all your heart for every moment of today (Proverbs 3:5).

Another way is to serve others. If all else fails, serving others will re-direct your focus from “my plans” to “God’s plans”. Jesus didn’t come to be served, but to serve (Matthew 20:28), and when we follow His example, it satisfies our souls in ways that nothing else can. AND it leaves a trail of joy and gratitude behind.

Investing your time in the right things. We are inclined to invest our time in money, fame, or things that don’t last (Matthew 6:19). But investing in relationships, whether they are personal, spiritual, or business, when done in the spirit of the Lord, will elevate the impact you make as you exemplify fishing for men (Mark 1:17) for the glory and Kingdom of God.

And being grateful that every day is a gift from God. We often see today as just a link to the things we must accomplish tomorrow. But “this is the day that the Lord has made” (Psalm 118:24), and when we face each day with the recognition that God has entrusted us with His gift, we can see and be thankful for the good things that He has for us today!

Everyone has a legacy they want to leave behind. But as we strive for that ultimate goal, let us also live in the moment, knowing that the moment we are living right now could very well be the legacy that will be recognized the most.

Saturday Soul Search