What are you living for?
We just finished a series called, “One Month To Live” at church. The question our pastor asked each week was, “If you only had one month to live, how would your life change?”
Most agreed that we would change our relationships. We would spend more time with the people we love letting them know how important they are to us.
If we only had one month to live, we would also become more intentional about the legacy we leave behind. Most would strive to pass on their faith, family traditions, and values to their loved ones.
We agreed that we would change our list of priorities allowing those things that just kept us busy to fall away. That way, the really important stuff would take the lead.
I was really challenged in our small group by a guy who has spent most of his life in a wheelchair. He said he would want the people around him, family, friends, co-works, and his church family to know he was more interested in them than his troubles. Wow!
Some mentioned things on their “bucket list” they would like to do as well as accomplish some unfulfilled dreams. But mostly, if we only had one month to live people and our relationship with them is what we would change most. A common detonator was…we would love others more.
Hummm…
A few years ago, my son’s teacher had them interview their moms for a Mother’s Day project. One of the questions on the survey was, “What do you want people to say about you after you’re gone.” I answered this way. “I want people to say that I didn’t waste my life, but I made it count for God’s glory.”
I meant what I said but after going through this series, it made me ask myself “What does that look like tangibly?”
I believe it would look like someone who loves God and others passionately. Don’t get me wrong. This is a challenge for me. My life is busy, and honestly, sometimes the people I love most get the leftovers. That’s NOT how I want to live. I don’t want to just go through the motions either and come to the end of my life with regrets. I want the people I care about most to know they are loved. I want to pass on my faith. And I want others whom I come in contact with to know the love of God because I took time to show them. Whether it’s a passing smile, a door held open, a devotional written, or a simple “hello” it could change someone’s day—perhaps it will change my mine.
What would you change if you only had one month to live?
Joyful says
WOW..what a question!
I would abandon fear and find out what it’s like to really live.
Sharon Sloan - Joy In The Truth says
Hello, Friend! 🙂
Love this post! Our friends two children struggle with a disease where the words “life expectancy” pop up. This has caused us to think more about how to spend each day for Him and to let the little stuff roll off.
I see you are traveling this weekend! Will be praying for you! Sounds like a neat conference.
Hugs,
Sharon
“You have exalted above all things Your name and Your word.” Psalm 138:2