We were at Swallow Falls in Maryland with Steve’s parents, enjoying the majesty of  an Appalachian Mountain river.   The serenity as we hiked along the trail through thick woods was interrupted by the intrusive sound of a  helicopter overhead, making repeated circles around us.   Questions about his presence were answered when we came upon a waterfalls  where scuba divers were just heading into the large pool of water at it’s base.   Firemen and volunteers were all around.   A distraught man along the path informed us that  his friend, 43 years old,  was floating on his back and suddenly disappeared.   One minute he seemed to be having a leisurely swim below the falls, relaxing, and the next minute he was gone.   It turns out that the falls were appropriately named.    They found Alvin about 3 hours later.  He had drowned.  Our hearts go out to his friends and family.  

It can’t be said for sure what happened.   Maybe as he was in full leisurely mode,  relaxing, floating on his back, and his head hit a rock.   Maybe a current sucked him beneath the surface.     Maybe he had a heart attack or seizure and his time was up, swallowed up in death.

It is always wise to reflect and give thought to such experiences that we witness in life.   What if that had been you or me?  Are we ready?   Alvin could not have anticipated that  a refreshing, enjoyable swim would end so suddenly in tragedy.   He could not have planned for looking up to the sky knowing eternity was right at the door.   Yet each of us should.   We must live in the shadow of eternity,  walking in the hope of a heavenly calling with the awareness of the dangers around us.       

The swimmers that day were not attentive to the dangers.   They were in an area where swimming was discouraged.   May we not miss the warnings of God’s word to both prepare and be aware.      

Lord, help me to plan like I have many days but live like this moment is my last.   Help me to be ready.   “Just as man is destined to die once, and after that to face judgment…”  (Heb 9:26-27a).

Help me, Lord, to be always obedient to your warnings and alert to the dangers around me.   "No one knows about that day or hour, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father.  Be on guard! Be alert ! You do not know when that time will come.”    (Mark 13:32-33).