In light of some recent events, with Marlin's pitcher José Fernández's sudden passing and a frank reminder from a CCU chapel speaker, I have been solemnly reminded that life is short. It is so easy to take another day and another sunrise for granted. It is so easy to depend on tomorrow, but do you realize that we are never guaranteed tomorrow?

According to one of his teammates, José Fernández had just pitched the game of his life against the Nationals. Little did he know that this would also be his final game. As difficult as these tragedies are to face, I have been reminded of a couple things.

I have been prompted to remember what is truly important in life. If we accept that the assurance of tomorrow is always a mystery, then shouldn't we fully live out each day and cherish every moment that we have breath? It is so easy to get caught up in the chaos of the world, to become critical and judgmental of others, to become self-focused. But at the end of the day, what really matters? Personally, knowing that I have loved others well and honored Christ with my words, actions, thoughts, etc. is enough for me. I would argue that possessions, or even something like grades if you're a student, are what many place their identity in. Not that GPA and belongings are insignificant, but these are fleeting, earthly "things" that will one day fade away. If all of these possessions and accomplishments were to be stripped away from you, what would you have left? What would define you? Which leads me to my second point...

What legacy will you leave? I know it can seem strange to think about death and imagine how others would remember you. But maybe reflecting on this will impact that way you live out each day. We often have a "that-could-never-happen-to-me" mindset, but no one is invincible. We never know which day will be our last. Fernández is described by the Marlin's team manager: "He was so young that you're supposed to teach him, but he's the one who taught us. He taught us how to enjoy the game, how to love the game and to have the passion he had. He taught us a lesson of how we're supposed to be."

How will you be remembered? Do you want to be remembered as the workaholic who never had time to invest into family and friends; as someone who cared more about their glorification than people; as someone who would tear others down to build themselves up? I want to be remembered as someone who loved the Lord with all her heart, who chose joy, who loved others well, who found the beauty in life, and who made people smile.

Friends, life is simply too short. It's too short to hold grudges, to rely on tomorrow, to unfairly judge others, to not speak up, to maintain regrets, to live in fear, on and on. If all earthly things were to perish, what will truly matter? And if today were you last, how will others remember you? Leave a legacy that endures and inspires others to do the same.