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"Winola! Winola!"

What a strange name I thought.

"WINola! WINOLA!!"

And why was the nurse saying her name so loudly?

Mom and I were walking from Mamaw's room to Papaw's room at the assisted living home where they had only been living for a few months.

"WINOLA! Wake up Winola! Come on honey, WAKE UP."

It was almost time for dinner, but I couldn't imagine dinner being this urgent. We were passing Winola's room, and looked at each other with that strange look you have when you've just figured something out, but hope you're wrong.

"WINOLA, CAN YOU HEAR ME? WAKE UP!"

Several other nurses quietly rushed to Winola's room, and the door closed behind them.

Two steps down the hall my eyes began to hurt. We had just been within a few feet of someone leaving this world. I found the thought epic and sobering. I felt like I was inches away from a doorway that opened into heaven.

I couldn't help but think about the day my time on earth would be up.

When I'm once again inches away from the next world, and it's my time to make the trip, will I go knowing that I have exchanged my life for something worth doing?

Paul gives a great commendation in Ephesians 5:15-17: Be very careful, then, how you live - not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord's will is.

When the nurses call my name and are unable to rouse me-- when I don't answer them—
will I instead be answering to God that I've used my life well?

____(put your name here)_____, WAKE UP!!

"Today's Little Lift" from Jim Bullington

Mercy and not Sacrifice (Sept. 29, 2010)