A Wake Up Call

Quote: Teach us to number our days aright, that we may gain a heart of wisdom. Psalm 90:12

Last October 31, I went home to Calamba, my hometown. I took a leave from the office because I have no other option. The government has declared only a one-day holiday and that is on All Saint's Day, November 1. In order to avoid the traffic jams and other problems that might occur due to this short holiday, I took that day off. On November 1, after coming from the cemetery, I received a call. It was from one of my churchmates. She asked me how I was doing and we had a short time of "kamustahan". Then she told me that one of our former co-workers and friend (he's also my kumpare because I'm a ninang to his youngest child, I also call him Kuya) was confined at that very hour in PGH. I asked her why. She told me that she didn't also know. All she knew was that a day before that they were talking over the phone and that this brother (confined in the hospital) was sharing to her that he just needed a check-up. He was also telling her all the things that were happening in his life, his wife and family. How he's coping with the chemo and the expenses incurred by his medication. At that time, he's suffering from cancer of the throat. They used to have a very good business but due to unknown circumstances it began to dwindle. His wife was forced to go to Dubai and work there and I think that was just a year ago. She would want to come home but apparently, she couldn't because she still has to finish the contract which is for two years. If she decided to come back here, she wouldn't receive anything from her employer and worse, she has to pay for her own fare.
Then the next day, to her surprise, the eldest daughter (15 or 16 years old, I think), texted her and said that her papa was confined already. So this sister called me up and shared this. Before hanging up the phone, we decided that we should pray for him and for his family. Honestly, I forgot to pray for him that night. The next morning, as I was on my way to work, I received a text message from this sister again. She forwarded a message (that is from the eldest daughter of my kumpare). He has passed away. I was really shocked. I couldn't believe it! How could it happen? His wife is away, his eldest is just 15 or 16 years old and the youngest is barely 5 years old. I couldn't speak. I couldn't say anything. Then several questions sprang up in my mind. Was he able to do God's assignment in his life? Is the Lord finished with him? How about me? Am I doing the Lord's commission in my life? Am I finished with God's assignment yet? When will I leave this world? How about my Babe? Because he is kind of sickly, will the Lord take him away at the prime of his life or is it me who will be taken away early? These are the questions that flooded my mind. Then the word of the Lord came, "Teach me (us) to number my (our) days aright, that I may live a life of (we may gain a heart) wisdom." I became conscious of how I'm living the life that the Lord has given me. This incident has been a wake up call for me...
I don't know when my time will be. I'm not sure if I'll ever reach that day that I would see my grandchildren growing up. No matter what happens or what the Lord decides to do, I am hoping that when that day comes, I'll be able to face my Lord and Master with joy and excitement in my heart knowing that I have done what needs to be done. I am longing to hear the very words that He said to the good and faithful servant in the Bible. I desire to be a good and faithful servant of His while I am entrusted with this life, the skills, giftings and abilities. Teach me to number my days aright Lord, that I may gain a heart of wisdom.