Okay, I’ll confess. I hardly ever do any grocery shopping. My wife takes care of that chore but the last time I went I realized something. I need to check the expiration date or otherwise I’m going to be throwing a lot of money away on food that is already or shortly will be ruined. These dates are put there for a very important reason. It gives us the information we need to know concerning freshness and the life of a food. I just learned a couple of weeks ago that liver mush goes bad after a couple of weeks. I didn’t realize it but I’m sure glad I found out before I consumed it.

Well, this may seem somewhat crude or even depressing, but the reality is that we all have an expiration date. One absolute guarantee in life is that we all have a date with eternity. Now with this knowledge, you would think everyone would desire to live a life pleasing to the Lord, especially since we have no idea when that day is. Yet the majority of people do not give any real thought to this truth. They just live, plan, and put off what should be done today until tomorrow. However tomorrow won’t be there for some. Friend, we are all just one heartbeat away from eternity. I realize we don’t like to talk about this or read and think about death but it is going to show up on your doorstep one day.

Consider this. You can live each day to its fullest. Look at each day as a gift from God and live that day as if it is your last. Present yourself to God as you wake up in the morning. Ask for guidance, patience, and wisdom as you journey through what could be your last day. Tell that person you are close to how much you love them. Hug that son or daughter and give them the love and attention they want and deserve. Smile at the young waiter or waitress and encourage them instead of being rude and ruining their day. Be a blessing to someone you have never met. Maybe it is as saying a simple “Hello, hope you are doing well,” or just a simple gesture like holding open the door for them. You never know how a little expression of kindness or an encouraging word may change someone’s day.

As I think about my “expiration date” I don’t want to leave any stones unturned. I desire to please God, show love, be a blessing, and treat others the way I want to be treated. Because unlike a gallon of milk or loaf of bread, I don’t know when I’m going to expire, so I will live each day as if it were my last; serving the one who gave me eternal life.

Tune in to WBCU 103.5 FM Sundays at noon for the Shining Light Broadcast. I preach a 15-minute message that I pray will be a blessing to those who listen. If you have a prayer concern, comment, or question, please write to: Voice of Victory, Attn: David Burrell, PO Box 1221, Pacolet, SC 29372, message me on Facebook, or e-mail me at daveburrell@live.com.