In 2016, hurricane Matthew hit the United States. One thing that experience underscored to me was that life is precious.
Because I live in the Southeastern portion of the United States, less than 20 miles from the coastline, we were subject to a mandatory evacuation. My family and I drove west about three hours (under normal circumstances) to Macon, GA.
People took the life-threatening storm seriously. UsingTravelocity.com, I could not find a hotel that was not sold out—except in Atlanta, GA; 260 miles away. I got the same results visiting Marriott.com. The interstate was so crowded that our normal three-hour drive to Macon took over 6 hours.
During the entire ordeal, I saw one reminder after the other of how people value their life. When it is threatened, most will do what survival dictates. At one point along the highway, I saw six city buses in a row transporting elderly people. I assumed the passengers belonged to one or more of the local nursing homes.
Life Is More Than Material Things
No one likes the inconvenience of a life-threatening hurricane. It uproots millions. Normal routines are cancelled. But the hurricane Matthew event reminds me of something Jesus said: “A man’s life consists not in the abundance of the things he possesses” (Luke 12:15).
Generally, if people must choose between staying in the convenience of their home and leaving it to save their life, they will opt for the latter. Destroyed property can be replaced. Lost lives cannot.
Once I arrived at the hotel in Macon, I viewed a lot of the Weather Channel’s coverage of the storm. Some of those interviewed lamented those they had to leave behind because they refused to leave home.
At the hotel, we received a number of calls from family members and friends wanting to know if we were all right. We, or more specifically my wife, did likewise for others.
I said all that to make one simple but important statement: Your life is precious.
It may be hard for us to believe, but our life is even more precious to God than it is to us. He wants the very best for each of us.
Also, remember that we have only one life to live. Don’t miss out on it. Live life to the fullest. Live it to bring glory to God. Strive to become all that He has given you the potential to be. In short, leave a positive mark on this world that cannot be easily erased.
Copyright © 2022 by Frank King. All rights reserved.