This Is Jeopardy...and I'll Take Living For $600!

Last week the sister (Michelle) of one of my dearest friends was killed in a tragic car accident in South Africa.   Any unexpected death can be devastating, but car accidents seem to leave more questions:  Could it have been prevented?  Whose fault was it?  Was she aware?  So many questions...

The first question I keep asking is why her?  I will never know the answer to this question but I have to trust that God knows what's best and is in control. 

Another question I ask is why not me?  I drive.  I've been a passenger in cars with friends and co- workers.  I've been in car accidents.  I've even had some near misses where if I had been 2 minutes earlier,  my life could have been forever changed.  I don't spend a lot of time trying to figure out why God has spared my life up to this point - I just focus on being grateful for His mercy and grace.

Me and Michelle Cloete in South Africa 2004

Michelle and I are around the same age.  The thing I loved most about her was her zest for life, her ability to make everyone around her laugh and her sincere hospitality and care towards others.  Those are the things I will miss about her but the impact she had on my life will remain in my heart forever.

I can't help but wonder how I will be remembered when I pass away.  If I die today, what things have I left undone?  Which of my attributes will people carry in their hearts?  I don't live my life for the purpose of being remembered in death but I certainly want to have an impact while I'm here on earth.

I can either sit around and continue to ask questions and wonder why, or I can get busy living....just like Michelle did.  I'll take living for $600 Alex.   when I pass away.  If I die today, what things have I left undone?  Which of my attributes will people carry in their hearts?  I don't live my life for the purpose of being remembered in death but I certainly want to have an impact while I'm here on earth.

I can either sit around and continue to ask questions and wonder why, or I can get busy living....just like Michelle did.  I'll take living for $600 Alex.