May 11, 2026

Room For One More

James 4:14 – “What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes.”

The sign by the cemetery was straightforward and sobering: “Space Available.” Even after decades of burials, after countless families had laid loved ones to rest within its gates, there was still room. The cemetery, like all cemeteries, maintains this grim reality—no matter how many it has received, there’s always space for one more.

This simple roadside advertisement delivers a message most people prefer to avoid: death is the universal appointment we all must keep. The cemetery doesn’t discriminate based on age, success, health, or wealth. Rich and poor, young and old, famous and forgotten—all find their final resting place in the same earth.

Yet this sobering truth shouldn’t paralyze us with fear. Instead, it should clarify our priorities. James reminds us that life is brief, like morning mist that quickly disappears. Moses prayed, “Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom” (Psalm 90:12).

When we acknowledge life’s temporary nature, trivial concerns lose their power over us. Petty grudges seem foolish. Postponed conversations with loved ones become urgent. Dreams we’ve been delaying suddenly demand attention.

The cemetery’s “space available” sign isn’t just about death—it’s about life. It’s a reminder that our time here has limits, and those limits should motivate us to live with intention. Every day we don’t occupy that space is another opportunity to love well, serve others, and make our brief time matter.

We don’t control whether there’s room for us, but we can decide what we’ll do with the time before we need it.

Today’s Prayer: Lord, help me live with the awareness that my time here is limited. Give me wisdom to focus on what truly matters and courage to love boldly while I can. Amen.

Reflection Question: If you knew you had limited time left, what conversation, relationship, or dream would you prioritize?