For Tomorrow We Die
Consider This #1: The mature version of YOLO
A Note: I want to get in the habit of posting occasional pieces (“Consider This”) that are brief and to the point. Each one circles a single, pointed question. The hope is not to offer answers, but to invite deeper reflection. This is the first of what I hope will be many. I’d love to hear your reflections in the comments.
How would you live if you knew you only had 6 months left of life? What would change in your daily decisions? How would you see your time differently? What would shift in your relationships? What would you spend your money on? How would you engage with social-media? What would you say "yes" to more often? It's a question I think about often. I'm thankful the Bible is honest. I'm thankful it says things like this: "Lord, remind me how brief my time on earth will be. Remind me that my days are numbered - how fleeting my life is. You have made my life no longer than the width of my hand. My entire lifetime is just a moment to you; at best, each of us is but a breath". (Psalm 39:4-5, NLT) Life is a breath. That is sobering. It's also freeing. It isn't restricting. It's clarifying. What will you do with the time you have?
Six months? First I would take care of passwords and essential business information so my kids won't curse me later.
Then I would spend time with each loved one (husband, son, daughter, five grands) in a special location that we both love. (Mt Rainier, backyard) so memories will have a place to be recalled and held when I'm gone. We'd talk about First Things and God, and I'd encourage them in finding and living their purpose - teleology.
I'd see as many sunrises as possible, gaze at the moon, hold the dog, hold my husband, listen to birds and the wind. Last, but should be first, ask God what He wants me to finish.