You are a mist that appears for a
little while and then vanishes.
—James 4:14
Among his many compositions were 41 symphonies, 18 sonatas, and 6 partitas. He lived most of his life in poverty and died in obscurity at the age of thirty-five. His official name was Johannes Chrysostomus Wolfgangus [Amadeus] Theophilus Mozart. No wonder we just call him Mozart.
Life is brief. Mozart’s grave marker reads 1756–1791. The only commonality between his marker and what yours will be is the dash. It’s what happens in the period covered by the dash that matters.
Opportunity is now. Not someday. Today. James speaks of reality: “What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes.”
Death is certain. Tomorrow may come. Or may not. But unless Jesus comes first, your day is coming.
Your influence will live on. For good or bad.
What matters is not how long but how well.