Ephemerality of Life

Ephemerality of Life

Last night, I was heading home from work—just another day hustling for my daily “tiri kay.” As I got to the bus stop where I usually board a bus to Yaba, I noticed tree branches scattered at the other side of the road, and a man waving with a tree branch to stop oncoming vehicles. Confused, I looked around and saw a small crowd gathered. For a split second, I thought it might be some Isese ritual, but then my eyes caught something – a lifeless body lying on the ground.

I froze. My knees felt weak. I lost my sense of direction. In that moment, “Yaba” didn’t matter anymore. I couldn’t even process the conductor shouting destinations. All I could think of was the ephemerality of life.

That scene reminded me—everything we chase after, everything we stress and fight for, is ultimately temporary. Wealth, fame, hustle, titles—none of it follows us after death. The moment one dies, it all ends. No second chances. No updates. No “let me explain.”

Yes, work hard. Build. Acquire. But above all, live with eternity in mind. What’s life without God? Of what use is success if it ends without salvation?

Every new day is another opportunity to live for God, to walk in purpose, to love deeply, and to live consciously. Don’t just exist—live intentionally. Live God-consciously. Live righteously.

Because truth is— no one knows the day, time, or manner of their death. But what we do know is this: when the time comes, only one thing will matter— your standing with God.

I still can’t shake the image of that young man. My heart aches for his family. Death is hard. But even harder is a life lived without God.

Let this be your reminder: eternity is real. Choose wisely.