Over the past few months we have seen more than a half dozen people we know leave this world. Some had lived long full lives, served their country in WWII, had wonderful careers, enjoyed retirement and their grandchildren. Others not yet 40, with young children, some middle aged with kids in college or new grand babies on the way. Several had battled illness and lost their fight, while others died suddenly. They all had plans, goals, dreams and people that loved them.
I have experienced death, loss and grief before, but these recent events have reminded me of something I have known all along...life is short and how we spend it matters.
My uncle's memorial service was standing room only. The chapel was filled with family and friends. They weren't there because he held a prestigious degree or title, he didn't even go to college. They weren't there because of his social or economic status, he held a job he enjoyed and didn't worry much about material things. He lived simply which allowed him the time to invest deeply in the people he loved. That is why they came.
Several years ago I saw a video of a Carnegie Mellon professor who had been diagnosed with terminal cancer giving a talk titled "Really Achieving Your Childhood Dreams ". He later wrote a book based on it, titled "The Last Lecture". If you haven't seen the video or read the book, I highly recommend you do. They are both full of humor, positivity, wisdom and quotes that could serve as a life lesson manual. One of my favorite quotes from him is "The key question is this, are you spending your time on the right things? Because time is all you have...and you may find one day that you have less than you think".
That statement is true for all of us. Young, old, rich, poor, healthy or sick. None of us know how much time we have to live the life we've been given. But, we really don't need to know. We can choose to live each day showing love and grace to those around us, wether they deserve it or not. We can look for ways to be a positive presence in each celebration or challenge. We can see the purpose in everything, even if it is hard or painful. We can be grateful for the time God has given us and spend it doing the "right" things and making the most of all of it!
Another one of my favorite writers Katrina Kenison shared this poem on her blog, it really spoke to me about this subject. I hope it does to you too.
All that matters is what you love
and what you love is who you are
and who you are is where you are
and where you are is where you will be
when death takes you across the river.
You can’t avoid the journey but
you can wake up… now
and see where you’ve been
and where you are going.
– John Squadra, from “Circle Of The One,” in This Ecstasy
(With thanks to Rod MacIver for sharing this poem on A Pause for Beauty.)
