An Appointment Not to Miss

Some appointments might as well be pencilled in. They are made so far in advance that by the time they come around, that half get cancelled and re-made. (That reminds me to call the dentist and reschedule an appointment.)
We got a telephone call at 3:30 in the morning today. The voice on the other end of the line was choked with tears as she said, "Mum has taken a turn for the worse...can you come?" Within minutes, we were on our way to the hospital. Traffic isn't a problem at 3:45am in Salmon Arm. Compared to some of the cities I have lived in, traffic is never a problem in Salmon Arm, with its five stop lights.
On the way, I wondered if this was going to be a false alarm. I responded to a hospital visit like this one and the person held on for two months. So, I wondered.....
When we arrived, most of the family were in the room, surrounding their dear mother. The dear old woman had fought a tough battle against cancer, and now, she appeared to be struggling, and loosing the struggle. How could it be, I wondered. I had seen her and talked with her just a week ago. Yesterday, she had been outside in the wheelchair looking at the flowers. Was it true, that she was close to depart this world?
I read some Scripture and prayed. Jannie and I sang a song, "What a Day That Will Be" as the family gathered close to their precious mother. Shortly after dawn, and not two hours from the time we arrived, we knew this was indeed the last moments for our friend.
Hebrews 9:27 says, "It is appointed unto man to die, and after that the judgement." I was reminded of that verse. There is an appointment made by my Creator for me. An appointment that is not pencilled in. It is an appointment that each and every one of us, if the Lord tarries, will keep. Indeed, our time here on earth is brief. Like the flowers that bloom and then so soon are withered and gone. So, also, from God's view, are our days. Seeing that we all will certainly make our appointments with God, how then ought we live?