The Journey Is Too Short

Last week my facebook friend, Chris Murray, wife of Charles Murray, who preaches at the Skyview Church in Pinellas Park, posted a piece that caught my attention.

She talked about the problem of grumpy people who gripe about anybody and everything. As Chris wrote, “On a daily basis we encounter people in the grocery store, on the street, in our cars, on the phone and sometimes even at home or in worship service who fall into the category of unhappy people.”

Chris’ challenge, like mine and yours, is not to allow miserable people to irritate and aggravate us. Or spark an argument. Or justify some retaliation. So, she shared a little piece of encouragement by an unknown author also found on facebook, entitled, “The Journey Is Too Short.”

An elderly woman got on a bus and sat down. At the next stop, a strong, grumpy young lady climbed up and sat down beside the old woman, hitting her with her numerous bags.

When she saw that the elderly woman remained silent, the young woman asked her why she had not complained when she hit her with her bags?

The elderly woman replied with a smile: “There is no need to be rude or discuss something so insignificant, as our journey together is so short, because I am going to get off at the next stop.”

This answer deserves to be written in gold letters: “There is no need to discuss something so insignificant, because our journey together is too short.”

Each of us must understand that our time in this world is so short. That darkening it with useless arguments, jealousy, not forgiving others, discontentment and bad attitudes are a ridiculous waste of time and energy.

Did someone break your heart? Stay calm. The trip is too short

Did someone betray, intimidate, cheat or humiliate you? Relax. Don’t stress. The trip is too short.

Did someone insult you without reason? Shake it off. Ignore it. The trip is too short.

Did a neighbor make a comment that you didn’t like? Take a deep breath. Ignore him/her. Forgive and forget it. The trip is too short.

Whatever problem someone has brought us, remember that our journey together is too short.

No one knows the length of our trip. Nobody knows when it will arrive at its stop. Our trip together is short.

Let us appreciate friends and family. Let us be respectful, kind and forgiving. In return, we will be filled with gratitude and joy. After all, our trip together is very short.

What great advice. And a wonderful perspective on life. It speaks to the Biblical principles of loving those who harm us, doing good to all people,  and being kind and forgiving. It also reminds me of Paul’s scriptural counsel, “Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.”

The piece ended with this little prayer. One that we would all do well to pray. Every day.

“Dear God, please help me to be the kind of person that this older woman was, patient and tolerant. And help me please to live so that when I am gone others will miss me for the example and encouragement I gave them and not the misery. In Jesus name, Amen.”

–Ken Weliever, The Preacherman