Rogata's epitaph

This is an epitaph from a Christian's tomb found in Sfax, a southern city in Tunisia. It dates back to the 6th century AD. The cross on the right is an early Christian symbol using the first two letters (in Greek) of name of Jesus Christ. The X and the P form the cross. The inscription tells us her name was Rogata and that she lived only 4 years, 11 months, 3 days and 7 hours. This made me stop and think about the fact that time is ticking away and it was a reminder to me that life is just too short. Not to be morbid or anything, but it was a reminder that death is a reality. It also made me think about how I use my time, or rather waste my time on some things while I should be putting other things first. I want to take another look at my schedule and reprioritize some things. I want to make my life count, to savour the good times and to enjoy each moment as it comes. Little Rogata may not have had much of a chance to live life but ironically her life has effected more people than most who get the chance to live to be 80. Each hour, each minute counted for her. And it should for me, for us, too. Her epitaph speaks of her short life, but also her faith in an eternal God, Jesus Christ. The things on earth come and go. And at some point or another we all need to look at the end of life and ask ourselves who or what we are really living for. Who or what rules our time? Not that I have the answers or have arrived at perfection. I've got a looong way to go, but this was a good reminder to seize the day, carpe diem, and make my life count for the only One I believe is worthy...Jesus. That was true for Rogata 1400 years ago, and it's still true today.