Walking on the precipice 

Imagine the commotion, several people in scrubs surrounding my bed, starting IV’s, drawing arterial and venous blood, and watching the heart monitor. I could see that my pulse fluctuating between 38 and 40. I figured that couldn’t be good, but didn’t realize just how serious it was. 

I later learned how close I had come to falling off the precipice of this life into the next. It was a “complete heart block” (an absence of electrical conduction between the upper and lower chambers of the heart). It can be fatal. It’s a story for another time, of how the circumstances came together to ensure I received prompt treatment at one of the best cardiac units in the region. I’m forever grateful.

During one long restless night in Cardiac ICU I was listening to audio scripture when the reader recited this passage from Psalm 90:12 “Teach us to number our days (or “realize the brevity of life”), that we may gain a heart of wisdom.” I’ll admit that initially I felt resistance. I feel like I have a lot of life left in me, so much to live for, and the brevity of life is not pleasant to dwell on. But resisting the teachings of wisdom just leads to regret and pain, so I’ve been giving it more thought.

I have confidence that my pacemaker will likely preserve a healthy heartbeat for 10+ years before it needs replacement. But even with the pacemaker technology, my healthy lifestyle and my longevity genes, there are NO guarantees.  

My fresh perspective on life is turning my thoughts more towards family, friends and acquaintances. I’m so grateful for each one of you and the many ways you have added blessing, meaning and value to my life. I wish for each one of you to experience an enriched and blessed and long life.

I hope we can all learn the wisdom in numbering our days (ideally without going through a medical crisis!) I hope we will give careful consideration to our highest priorities and what adjustments we may need to make, for both time and eternity.

For the most part, I’ve had a good life. A close family, a strong community of faith, many opportunities to learn and grow, a meaningful and fulfilling career, a supportive network of friends, and many opportunities to capture nature and humanity and wonderful memories with my camera.

I possess many writings of my faith-filled ancestry and aspire to honor their legacy. They are like the crowd in the stadium, cheering on the marathon runners as they enter the final laps of the race. The author of Hebrews writes, “Therefore…since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith…let us lay aside everything  that slows us down…let us run the race with endurance… fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfector of our faith.” (Hebrews 12: 1-2)

We ALL walk on the precipice of eternity, every day, but we don’t have to walk in fear.

Our journey starts there at the lowly stable, where Hope came down. He meets us where we are, in our broken state, inviting us into a loving and grace-filled relationship with the One who endured great suffering, so we could be with Him into eternity.

May we give careful thought to the paths of our feet. May we learn the  wisdom of numbering our days. May we entrust our one precious life to the One who promises to lead us along the path of everlasting life.      (Psalm 139:24)

Best wishes to you and yours for 2025!