We passed each other in the break room, each rushing to somewhere else, no time for more than a quick “hello”. Always so busy with meetings and deadlines, so rushed to get the to-do list accomplished. Why didn’t I take the time for a little more conversation? To ask how she was doing, about her granddaughter, her son starting his new job? Instead, I took for granted she’d always be there, that there’d be another day we’d have time to sit and catch up.
This morning, I walked past her empty desk, sweater still hanging on her chair, notebook and pen at the ready for the day’s tasks, post-it notes calling out important reminders. Her presence so startlingly absent after she very unexpectedly passed away over the weekend.
How many days do you rush through? Not taking the time to really connect with those around you. How many days are we more focused on getting to some point in the future, that we don’t live in the now? Wishing for something different – a different job, for our kids to finally get out of diapers, for that next chapter in our lives to start.
What if today was it? What if today was our only chance, our last chance, our best chance for something? Are we ready to live out the opportunities of today?
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More than ever, this week reminds me life is short. Am I really living it to the fullest? We need to make each day an opportunity to live, to connect, to love. Don’t let another day slip away unused, thinking you’ll do that ‘something’ tomorrow!
[callout]“Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes.” James 4:14[/callout]
Live today as if it’s your only opportunity for whatever God presents!
Take the time to visit with a friend you see (even if you have a million other things to do).
Make the phone call to that person who’s on your heart (even if you haven’t talked to them in forever).
Smile and take in the moment with your children (even if it’s a moment surrounded by a messy house or dirty diapers).
Find joy in wherever you are (even if you’d rather be somewhere else).
[callout]Many people die with their music still in them. Why is this so? Too often it is because they are always getting ready to live. Before they know it, time runs out. ~Oliver Wendell Holmes[/callout]
Life is short. How will you live more fully today?
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Sharing with: Testimony Tuesday, UNITE, Wednesday Prayer Girls, Coffee For Your Heart
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jenpcv says
I’m sorry for your unexpected loss. Life is fleeting, as the Bible says, and it’s so easy to forget it when we’re caught up in the craziness of life. But it is always worth it to readjust our lens and remember that this life is truly a temporary part of this journey. And above all, we’ve got to think how each action impacts those around us. I’m not perfect by any means, but I pray we both consider how our actions share God’s love today. Because if I find myself in heaven tomorrow, I want to know I spent my last day here sharing His love.
Kelley says
I just had a similar conversation with someone yesterday! Ours was about waiting for “this” before we can do “that.” I love Jen’s comment above that “it is always worth it to readjust our lens and remember that this life is truly a temporary part of this journey.” I want to make the most of this part of my journey and make it most meaningful for God’s Kingdom!
Kathryn says
You know the only certainty we have is this very moment we’re in – so we need to make the most of right now! Hard to always do when we’re not in the ‘right now’ we want to be in – but then we probably never will be exactly where we want to be…
[email protected] says
Oh my. This is chilling Kathryn. My condolances to you during this time of shock and loss. Thank you for the learnings you have so gently shared …
joanneviola says
A very sobering reminder. So sorry for your loss. Thank you for the reminder. Living today!
Delora (@Deloranow) says
Wow! What a great reminder. I loved that you stated, “What if today was it? What if today was our only chance, our last chance, our best chance for something? Are we ready to live out the opportunities of today?” //deloracares.blogspot.com
sarahgirl3 says
This is something I need to think about more, not to scare me, but to put things in perspective. Most things I worry about aren’t important. I need to tell people how much I love them any chance I get.
Hope says
That is an awesome quote. And a very sad story about how we easily miss something very big like losing a colleague where we could have had just one more talk, give some love or be a light. I loved this reminded to live day by day and not get lost in the to do’s and self focus. Thank you!
Holly Barrett says
It is so startling to lose someone so unexpectedly…or when someone young dies. But what a great reminder to use that we are not promised tomorrow. We should look for what God has for us today. Thanks for linking up to Testimony Tuesday.