Kirby Puckett/Dana Reeves RIP

Two public figures died very young this week. Hall of Fame baseball player Kirby Puckett, hero of two World Series wins ("We'll see you tomorrow night") died of a stroke at 45. Dana Reeves, whose unfailing care and support of her paralyzed husband Christopher brought her well-deserved accolades, died of cancer at 44.

The Psalmist wrote, "Teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom." (Ps. 90:12) The reality that we in America spend so much time trying to avoid (does "life" insurance pay you if you live?) is that death is an absolute certainty. In fact, if we truly number our days, we get ONE. The only day you are sure of is the one you're living as you read these words. Use it wisely and well. Take that treasure and make something of value for the future and for eternity.

On his 90th birthday, Supreme Court Justice Oliver Wendell Holmes addressed the nation via radio. He concluded his remarks by quoting a Latin poem. "Death plucks my ear and says, 'Live, I am coming'."