AIMEE'S LIFE

A few days ago I received some alarming news that made my feel sick, broken, and bitter.  My childhood friend from Taiwan, Aimee Powell, had been killed in a car accident in North Carolina.  She was a twenty-five year old teacher on her way to school to teach her fourth grade class.  A random truck on the other side of the yellow line swerved onto her side, causing a head-on collision at 55 miles per hour.  She hung onto her life for a few hours, but didn’t end up making it.

Facebook posts from many people around the world expressed grief upon hearing the shocking news.  Aimee had been a woman of God who was faithful to her Savior, and to the people around her.  Everyone who knew Aimee would agree that her very presence and friendship was a reflection of the grace and love of God.  She lived a life empty of her own needs, and made room for Jesus to work through her.  I can’t think of anyone who would have been more ready for life or for death.  It was so encouraging to hear people speak of her life on earth, but also the assurance that she was in a better place – a place of joy and finality!  We know she’s in a place without pain and that she’s finally home.  She even left the following on her facebook profile:

One thing I ask of the Lord, this is what I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to gaze upon the beauty of the Lord and to seek him in his temple.

Aimee was ready, and we rest in the assurance that she is dwelling in the house of our Lord forever. 

After the shock and grief, I was challenged by Aimee’s life and death.  Whether we are driving a car to work in the US, or living in the slums of K-town, God has given us life, sustains it, and brings us home to eternal life in his timing.  This painful realization has given me a fresh perspective on life and how I spend it.  Today could be my last – your last.  All that matters in the end is how we emptied ourselves, or our agenda for the purposes of God to flow through us.  I pray that my life can be spent well.  Life is a mist, and we have the opportunity to bring glimpses of God’s kingdom here on earth as we look forward to seeing it in full.  In the light of sudden death, nothing seems to be of any value except that which brings life, both on this earth and for eternity. 

Are we living with the awareness that today could be our last?  Do we have a false sense of security and control over our lives?  Are we taking appropriate risks for Jesus? 

Jesus… Thank you for Aimee’s life and example.  Thank you for using her life to point people toward you, and thank you for using her death to remind us of how short life is, and how we need to live life fully for you.  Thank you that death brings life if we trust you with our lives.  What hope and freedom to live life without fear or regret!