I have the opportunity to work with kids with special needs. One particular kid, let’s just call him Mike, has a condition that is unpronounceable, unspellable, and unthinkable. His mom tells me it is a “white matter disease.” 

Now this itsy bitsy kid is the most happy bundle of energy and joy you have ever seen. When I show up to his house, he typically “hides” but not very well (like the time he hid behind the broom). He just giggles and laughs the whole time I am “trying” to find him. Once found, he works with me on various exercises. It’s “playing” with the intention to improve his coordination, strength, and endurance.

Once I asked his mom about his prognosis, and she told me that Mike’s condition was progressive and would ultimately lead to his demise, but she also said that they have no idea how long that would be. 

I pray that God will bless this little guy (because I know that God can fix anything, even an unpronounceable white matter disease).

But in the meantime, I realize that we all have a similar condition. It’s a very common condition. It’s called mortality. Except for those three Nephites out there, we will all be leaving this life to stand before the judgment bar of God. However, just like Mike’s mom, we don’t know when.

May we allow the realization of our own mortality to motivate us to live each day (and especially today) with a newfound determination to put God first, as our priority No 1. Let God be at the top of your list—no matter what you have going on today.

This article has undergone ministry review and approval.