As I was reading a recipe that I wanted to make for an evening gathering, I noticed that an ingredient in the recipe was celery salt. I could not imagine that I had any celery salt in stock, as I didn't recall ever using that ingredient in a recipe. But, I decided to look in the cabinet anyway. And, to my great amazement, there was a container of celery salt! I decided that it would be a wise idea to check the expiration date. And, there it was....are you ready?.....March 16, 1989!! That container of celery salt was three years older than my son who is now a freshman in college! Did I use that celery salt? No way. That ingredient's opportunity to be used had expired long ago. So, I tossed it out.
Then my mind drifted off in a different direction. I began to wonder what it would be like if we were born with an expiration date stamped somewhere on our bodies. Yes, a "best if used by" date which could signify the date of our death, or perhaps a date when health problems would prevent us from serving in the way that God had originally equipped us to serve. Would we live in fear? Or, would we have more of a sense of urgency to be used and to do what God has called us to do prior to that expiration date? Something to think about.
It occurs to me that perhaps I should have more of a sense of urgency because I don't know my expiration date. If I have a song to play, then I need to play it. If I feel that nudge from the Holy Spirit to say or write an encouraging word, then I need to be swift about sharing that word. How do I know there will be another opportunity? If you are a teacher, and there is a lesson that needs to be taught, then be diligent and passionate about teaching it while there is still time. Only God knows how long we have to serve Him in this life.
Psalm 139:16 - All the days ordained for me were written in Your book before one of them came to be.
Psalm 90:12 - Teach us to number our days aright, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.
