The quality of life is what's important, not the length

A young man came running joyfully from basketball practice. One assumes he was happy and had plans for the future. However, his exuberance was short lived. So was his life.

Not long afterwards, the teen was shot with a pistol, accidentally. His life was short. One can say he was taken too soon, and it would certainly seem that way. There are so many young, promising, capable people who seemingly die too soon. Others are taken when it appears to the human mind that they are better off.

Most of the young people I have known about who are thought to be taken before their time, receive raving acculades. They have been outstanding individuals. Family and friends say they were wonderful human beings and didn't deserve to die.

They left behind fantastic examples of how one should live. They were a beam of light to those with whom they interacted. There wasn't enough good that you could say about them, and the shortened life they lived.

Only God knows why He drew them to Himself when he did--prematurely in our minds. But who's to say, really? Evidently they left a greater legacy than many who live numerous years, but who leave little to applaud. It is how you live, not how long you're on earth.

You miss anyone you love, and especially those you're close to, when they're gone. Often you feel their mission on earth is unfinished.

Perhaps those whom you think should have lived longer, created and left more of value in that short while than most do in a normal lifetime.

So who are we to say that anyone was--taken too soon. Instead derive solace in the knowledge that God knows what he's doing and He WILL give you the fortitude and grace you need to endure.

Hopefully you can truly believe that the quality of your loved one's life was more important than the length of it! Jesus, himself lived a short life. "Look what He accomplished!"

Have you experienced losing someone who you thought died too soon? Comment and tell us how you handled it and how you felt.

Take care and God Bless

Ellen Shuck