Over the last few days I have been thinking about the brevity of life and how quickly life can change. Last week my family had the opportunity to see old friends in Florida and remember things that happened 15 years ago as we were growing up together. Never mind the fact that we were 24 & 25 and they were 14 & 15 at the time. We spent time laughing, sharing how God had changed us and molded us into what he desired. We were introduced to husbands, wives, and children that we had never met before and realized again that “there is a time for every season under heaven” as the writer of Ecclesiastes tells us in the Old Testament.

Prior to being in Florida I talked with a man who was about to undergo open heart surgery and facing uncertain days. The anxiety of the unknown and the concern for how the loved ones were affected was evident. He has since had a tremendous recovery and is making strides each day. But, the conversation caused me to think about my own heart and how would I hear the conversation if I were on the other end of the phone listening.

While in Florida we received the news that a twelve year old girl in our son’s class had passed away suddenly. I am thankful she knew Jesus, quite well I might add. She was healthy, vibrant, athletic and unaware that her days were numbered as they were. As I sat through her funeral service and listened to twelve year old kids remember their friend and adults speak words encouraging words concerning this young lady I was struck with the keen awareness that my life is also moving to a culmination point.  Now, this is not a surprise to me as someone who walks with people in times of hurting.  I will tell you though the thought was driven home with force during that one hour period of time.

Last evening or should I say early this morning I received a phone call from a very troubled and hurting young soul who was calling “one last person.”  We talked briefly. I was able to get enough information to let this person know I was calling the police so protection and help could intervene. The next few hours were long with several phones calls and searches.

I guess the events of the last week or so have reminded me of the importance of living for the Glory of God and an audience of one. I have been reminded that I must seek to make my life count for His name and live well, by God’s strength and the Spirit’s indwelling. Because one day, sooner than I realize, I too, will leave this earth. I hope that when God chooses to call me into His presence I will be able to die in a manner that honors Him the most.

In the mean time though “…I am not ashamed, for I know whom I have believed, and I am convinced that he is able to guard until that Day what has been entrusted to me.” 2Tim. 1:12

Phil. 1:6 -And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you (me) will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.

I read about this on Tony Morgan’s site and thought I would take the test. I am a sucker for personality test. Well, here is my Personality Pattern results.

Centered

You often feel balanced and on top of things, even when those around you are freaking out. You’re in a pretty good state all the time, and not subject to drastic mood swings. You don’t usually react before you think; you’re not ruled by your emotions.

Conscientious
You feel it’s important to work according to a plan and finish every task, to do things correctly and thoroughly. You are not the kind of person who abandons a project before finishing it, or slacks off when you’ve lost interest.

Unflappable
You are not a slave to your emotions. It takes a lot to upset or unnerve you. That’s why you’re a good person to have around in a crisis. You don’t let it all hang out, which means that those around you often don’t know the pressures you’re under or what you’re going through. You’re not the kind of person people run from in a crisis.

Competent
You strive to master everything you undertake. You tend to learn quickly and do not shy away from challenges. You are not a “que sera sera” type of person, nor do you go easy on yourself when attempting to master a new skill or get a job done.

Irritable
You have your own problems to deal with, and little patience for those who need help to get through the rough spots. Going out of your way to lend a hand not only takes time away from your own pursuits, it ultimately harms those you’re “helping” by insulating them from the harsh realities of life. You don’t need to help others to feel better about yourself. It’s not your ambition to be known as a major bleeding heart.

Assertive
You behave in a confident and forceful manner, take charge of the situation, raise your hand in class, stand up for what you think is right, and lead others. Among those who have a high score on the “assertive” trait, many have jobs in which they are valued for their organizational skills as well as their talent for supervising others.You are not interested in fading into the woodwork, leaving everything to fate, taking more time than necessary to accomplish a task, or avoiding confrontation.

Cautious
You very rarely make a move without first considering the pros and cons and, therefore, rarely do anything foolish or extravagant. You are not rash; you almost never act before you think and, therefore, rarely end up doing things you later regret.

Focused
You know how to lock in on what’s important. You quickly prepare yourself for a task, you don’t procrastinate, and you don’t let up until the job is done to your satisfaction. You are the opposite of scattered. You don’t procrastinate before starting a task, and you almost never lose track of what you’re doing.

Introspective
You like your own company; you’re a very interesting person. Tracking your own mental processes, knowing what you’re thinking and why you do what you do, is important to you. Often, what’s going on in your mind is more compelling than what’s going on outside. For the most part, those with a high score on the “introspective” trait enjoy reading, taking long walks, learning new things, and other solitary activities. You are not someone who is constantly looking to be among a group of friends; you never feel bored when you are by yourself.

Down-to-Earth
You think that many of those who claim to love art are just being pretentious. As long as something does the job, whether it be a couch, a coat, or a kitchen cabinet, it’s “beautiful” as far as you’re concerned. Those who have a high score on the “down-to-earth” trait often hold positions in which they have the opportunity to exercise their organizational expertise. You do not think that having “good taste” is such a big deal, or even that there is such a thing as good taste; nor do you claim that you “can’t live without” art, beauty, or good design.