I am a fan of science-fiction and fantasy movies.  I find myself intrigued by the imagination it takes to create themes, beings, and spaces that currently do not exist.  One of the movies that I especially like came out in 1986.  The title is “Highlander,” and it starred Christopher Lambert, Sir Sean Connery, and Clancy Brown.  It is about immortals who battle until only one is left to claim the prize, ultimate knowledge and mortality.  Another great fact of the movie is that the British rock band, Queen, wrote and performed a lot of the musical score.  One of the songs is titled, “Who Wants to Live Forever.”

That is a great question because it seems that people are trying to figure out how to live forever.  A recent article in Men’s Journal authored by Meggan Meisegeier, spoke of the integration of biotechnology and artificial intelligence to create nanotechnology that can overcome the limitations of our biological organs and make it possible for us to live longer, even forever.  While this sounds like science fiction, futurist Raymond Kurzwell predicts that this technology may exist as early as 2030.  Until then, we must remember that life is a mist, a vapor.  It is short and something to not only to be cherished, but lived prudently.

Artist Simon Beck is renowned for transforming snow covered areas into stunning works of art using snowshoes and a ski pole.  A former mapmaker, he applies his engineering skills to meticulously plan out designs that take hours of walking and tens of thousands of steps.  Because he deals with nature, whether it be snow or sand, the only way for him to preserve his creation is to photograph it.  Where most of us see impermanence or short-lived opportunity, Beck sees the challenge of creating momentary beauty.  He knows the elements will eventually take over and win.

Whether you read the Psalmist, Job, Qoheleth, or the wisdom of James, Biblical writers remind us time and again that life is but a vapor, a mist.  Here today, gone tomorrow.  The thing that we should all wrestle with is this, what have I done with this one, short, precious life that God has given to me.  Some choose to focus on short-term gains and pleasures.  Some try to have their cake and eat it too by trying to climb the scales of economics and be religious.  Others of us decide that it is better to live more like Jesus because these actions have the power to change the world for good.  Since life continues to be a vapor, a mist, I assume that most of us would prefer to create beauty and goodness in this world, even if it might be fleeting.

I invite you to take time and read each of the scriptures above followed by reflection on the questions below.  Consider the shortness of life and what lasts beyond your physical presence in this world.  Lastly, I pray that God bless the reading of God’s Word and the meditations of your heart.

Questions to Consider this week:

• Monday:  How much time, energy and resources do you spend getting and maintaining temporal things?
• Tuesday:  What is your sense of time?  Quickly going by?  Lots of time left? In-between?
• Wednesday:  What are you trying to create in this world that is lasting?
• Thursday:  What do you want to leave as a legacy for the next generation?
• Friday:  How are you creating beauty that is permanent?
• Saturday:  How broad is the impact of what you are creating?  Does it overflow to your neighbor in a way that shares God’s love?

 Actions for the Week:

• Head:  Take account of how you use your time, talent and resources.
• Heart:  Meditate on the call to create beauty in this world that is lasting.
• Hand:  Set your mind and hands to creating meaningful and lasting gifts of love for your family, community of faith, and neighbors.