Mist

Recently two groups I am involved with have been examining life, living in this world and true priorities. We discussed how difficult it is to walk with proper focus – without the world’s distractions. As we have discussed and studied we realize how temporary, yet what opportunities there are in life; how trying, yet how wonderful it can be; how limiting, yet such joy is possible. As such we came across James 4:13-14;

13Now listen, you who say, "Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business and make money." 14Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes.

I recently stumbled upon the story of a young man named Clayton MacDonald and I had the opportunity to see a video where he discussed this same passage. What an amazing witness and example. His story is so tragic in emotional and temporary terms, but so victorious in spiritual and eternal terms. I was simply amazed at his courage, passion, focus and energy to help all that he could. Clayton was an extraordinary teen, student, champion diver, but more than that Clayton was a Christian. Clayton battled cancer from a young age, yet his priorities in life were so amazingly clear. His life must have been anything but easy yet he set such an example.

Clayton recently died of leukemia and I am confident that all is well with Clayton. I take comfort in Revelations 21;

3And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, "Now the dwelling of God is with men, and he will live with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. 4He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away." 5He who was seated on the throne said, "I am making everything new!" Then he said, "Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true."

Clayton knew his time was but a mist and he gave his all to ensure that everyone he came into contact with might have eternal hope. His focus was true and pure. Clayton was confident of his position; by the grace of God we all can be just as confident. One day I plan to shake Clayton’s hand; brothers in Christ. I highly recommend that anyone reading this take a few minutes out of their busy schedules and watch this short video about Clayton’s life.

Clayton’s Story

This video is so convicting, so encouraging, so true! Friends, I must ask, what is our life? God may our mist be a mist of faith, a mist of hope, a mist of truth, a mist of service, a mist spent glorifying you.

Grace and Peace!