Yesterday I left for work early so that I could run a few errands. After going to the dry cleaner’s to pick up the clothes we wore to our son’s wedding, I went to the pharmacy to refill my prescription for cholesterol medicine. Neither business was very busy; it looked like I’d make it to work on time.

The light turned green and I pulled onto the main road. I noticed an odd vehicle up ahead, pulling slowly out of a driveway or side street. As I got closer my thoughts of, “What on earth is that guy doing?” turned to, “Oh dear, it’s a funeral procession.”

The odd car was a hearse, and it was driving slowly because it led a procession of 11 vehicles. Though the road was a major thoroughfare, the traffic from both directions stopped respectfully. As I watched the cars and SUV’s with their little flags pull out of the funeral home driveway, I thought of how busy I get and how caught up in my daily tasks, sometimes living as if I’ve forgotten that my time on the planet will end, too.

I was surprised by the tears that stung my eyes as I watched the cars. The procession was a poignant reminder that life comes and goes for everyone. This busy summer is already very much a summer-of-reminders that my life is marching on: my oldest son got married 10 days ago, this weekend my daughter will graduate from her residency program, and we’re counting down to my youngest son’s wedding. Some times in life thoughts of aging are easily forgotten, but for me, this is not that time.

Being reminded that life is limited is good for my perspective. It allows me to remember that God is working His plan. It recalls the fact that life is a privilege.  And it helps me to ask: what is important enough to use up my limited time?

Ecclesiastes 3: 11-14 God has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the hearts of men; yet they cannot fathom what God has done from beginning to end. I know that there is nothing better for men than to be happy and do good while they live. That everyone may eat and drink, and find satisfaction in all his toil—this is the gift of God. I know that everything God does will endure forever; nothing can be added to it and nothing taken from it. God does it so that men will revere him.

Proverbs 16: 31 Gray hair is a crown of glory if it is attained by a righteous life.

Psalm 116:15 Precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of his saints.