“Those who believe in Him should not perish but have eternal life." ~ John 3:16
As a younger person, I don’t ever remember consciously thinking
about dying. Maybe it was too daunting, or uncomfortable, or I was just too
busy. But I’m older now. Perhaps not dramatically wiser, but certainly more
contemplative.
Sometimes before the
sun rises when I can’t sleep, I get up, fire up the Keurig, and sit alone in
the dim light of the family room. Instead of thinking about the days’
activities ahead, my mind replays random scenes from earlier times.
It’s like I popped in
a DVD and begin to see my autobiography’s different seasons. I always tried my
best to provide for my family - financially, emotionally and spiritually. It’s
been an idyllic life, one that often makes me feel unworthy.
One thing’s for
certain, though. I’m one day closer to Home. At least I pray that I am and
that’s He’s helping me prepare for the eventuality. Not to be overly dramatic
or morbid, but my clock is ticking. I am truly blessed and consider it a
privilege to be living in overtime.
Contemplating death in a conscious way doesn’t freak me out.
Knowing that our human adventure is limited and that at some future moment our
physical body will die, is sobering and liberating. It forces reality, humility
and vulnerability.
When your goals shift toward a more eternal perspective and
are clear about God’s priorities for your life, life becomes more about today,
less about tomorrow. More about people, less about belongings. More about God’s
priorities, less about desires and plans. More about the eternal, less about
the temporal.
Time’s running out for us all. We don’t get a second shot
today. We’re still here for a God’s purpose.
So, let’s all imagine today as if it was our final day on
Earth. Living as if every moment were our last entails cherishing the present,
expressing gratitude for its preciousness, and avoiding excessive preoccupation
with the past or future.
How will you make relationships a greater priority? Who do
you need to get with for an unhurried lunch? Is there someone that needs to be
forgiven?
Don’t miss the chance to sit down with your wife, or child
and let them know how you feel about them. Don’t miss the chance to sit down
with your aging parents and spend time enjoying and learning from them. Be
available for some longer and deeper conversations with people you appreciate
and admire.
In short, don’t let your good intentions turn to painful
regrets.
