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Jesus answered him, “Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise.” Luke 33:43 

Has your life ever flashed before your eyes? It happened to me in 2010 the moment before impact when a truck pulled out in front of me on the highway. My life and loved ones truly flashed before my eyes before everything went black. The aftermath of that accident and the injuries I sustained caused me to value life in a different way and changed my life forever. I try to live in the moment and appreciate the people in my life each day knowing that it could all change in a flash.  

I had a similar “before impact” feeling a few weeks ago as I was on my way to an evening meeting. A normally mundane commute on the 202 became extraordinary as this blinding flash of light streamed across the highway and something hurdling toward earth looked like it would hit our cars. Traffic slowed down dramatically and many pulled off to the side of the road.  

I had an unnerving feeling that something big was happening! It was way too big and bright for an airplane. People were panicking online - was it an asteroid? A missile? Aliens invading? End of the world? It was disconcerting and caused me once again to evaluate my life. Am I living like I am dying? That is to say, valuing family, friends, loved ones and those in need that I can help while I am here? Am I living out my faith in a way that shows the impact of Jesus’ love for me? 

Leave it to Elon Musk to shock us in Arizona with the Space X rocket and its booster streaming across the night sky. It was a moment in time with a lasting impact that caused witnesses to stand still for a moment. Just like the impact of Jesus’ death on the cross, and his resurrection promise that we will be with him eternally changes us forever.

We are witnesses through scripture of that promise to the criminal on the cross. That promise changes our lives and the way we live right now knowing that we are freed from sin and death to love and serve others now and make a difference in the moment. Hug your friends, love your enemies, and serve your neighbors. 

Live in the moment, Pastor Andrea