We are indeed all mortals...Isaiah 40:7-8

"The grass withers and the flowers fall,
because the breath of the LORD blows on them.
Surely the people are grass.
The grass withers and the flowers fall,
but the word of our God endures forever.”

I came across this text today, quoted by Peter in I Peter 1:24-25, and it reminded me of conversations I've had in the last 24 hours with my mother and my mother-in-law about two of our relatives whose health is failing and for whom we've been praying.  We have a rather long life expectancy in America, but in the view of eternity, our time here is short.  What do we make of this?  Do we shout "carpe diem" and try to live each day like it is our last, or do we plan long-term and try to leave something behind that will last when we're gone?  The answer is both.  We must strive to make each day count, but we must also be wise builders who invest in the future and who take our responsibility seriously as members of the body of Christ.  God's Church will continue long after we're gone, his Word will endure forever.  God willing, the sacrifices we make for his kingdom will be enjoyed by the next generation.