may we so live

we had an encounter with death today. the morning was spent laughing and playing games on a beautiful summer day at an apx office bbq party, and interrupted as some friends received a phone call notifying them about a loved one lost to a car accident. we all became a little more aware and grateful. after my mom read this post, she let me know that my great uncle also passed on last night in his sleep. my thoughts have been reverting back to this subject in the past month because of various lessons, experiences, thoughts, and articles. the LDS church believes in the Resurrection of body and spirit after death. our president and prophet, Thomas S. Monson, has given us the following counsel in the august 2008 ensign,

"Death eventually comes to all humankind. It comes the aged as they walk on faltering feet. Its summons is heard by those who have scarcely reached midway in life's journey, and often it hushes the laughter of little children. Death is one fact that no one can escape or deny.
How fragile life, how certain death. We do not know when we will be required to leave this mortal existence. And so I ask,"What are we going to do with today?" If we only live for tomorrow we will have a lot of empty yesterdays.
As the familiar hymn teaches,
There are chances for work all around just now
Opportunities right in your way
Do not let them pass by, saying, "Sometime I'll try"
But go and do something today"
May we resolve from this day forward to fill our hearts with love. May we go the extra mile to include in our lives any who are lonely or downhearted or who are suffering in any way. May we cheer up the sad and make someone feel glad. May we live so that when that final summons is heard, we may have no serious regrets, no unfinished business, but will be able to say with the Apostle Paul, "I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith."

What comfort and love our Heavenly Parents have for us if we but live for today.