journey onWord with us

My wife and I were on vacation last week when the eyes of America suddenly became fixed on Boston.  In a brief moment, the day of celebration and athletic accomplishment became a nightmare.  In the days following the tragic event, we all witnessed deep pain, remarkable heroism and a deep sense of relief when the standoff ended. An overriding emotion has captured me while viewing and re-viewing the Boston tragedy … Life can change so quickly!  Consequently, how can I (we) gain perspective personally to live each day well, knowing that life can change in the blink of an eye?

Over the last couple of weeks, I have been studying the life of David. I have pondered many insights about his life that can encourage us all.  But something that I read at thirty thousand feet last Wednesday helped me gain some personal perspective about living well.  Then yesterday afternoon, while going through a stack of old paperwork, the same article appeared.  I had used it in 2005. Reading it to others was great, but I have not always applied the principles well.  Finding the article twice in one week convinced me to share it with you. You may have heard it before, but maybe today you will see the need to apply the principles. Remember, one lesson from last week is that life changes ever so quickly.

If I had my life to live over, I’d try to make more mistakes next time.  I would relax. I would be sillier than I have been this trip. I know of very few things that I would take seriously.  I would be crazier. I would be less hygienic.  I would take more chances.  I would take more trips. I would climb more mountains, swim more rivers, watch more sunsets.  I would walk more.  I would eat more ice cream and fewer beans.  I would have more actual troubles and fewer imaginary ones.  You see, I am one of those people who live prophylactically and sensibly and sanely, hour after hour, day after day.  Oh, I have had my moments, and if I had it to do over again, I’d have more of them.  In fact, I’d try to have nothing else.  Just moments, one after another, instead of living so many years ahead each day.  I have been one of those people who never goes anywhere without a thermometer, a hot water bottle, a gargle, a raincoat, and a parachute.  If I had it to do over again, I would go places and do things and travel lighter than I have.  If I had my life to do over, I would start barefooted earlier in the spring and stay that way later in the fall.  I would play hooky more; I wouldn’t make such good grades except by accident. I would ride on more merry-go-rounds.  I would pick more daisies. (Steve May, The Story File)

Extreme? Yes, but since we get very few do-overs in life, why not live this one well, with a sense of laughter, fun and a desire to enjoy every moment. Because life can change so quickly! In trying so hard to be the perfect parent, make the most money, achieve every dream and somehow be the best at everything, we lose the laughter, the fun and the moments that we can never recover.  Life is brief at best. Christ came to give us life (eternally) and joy on this journey. Last week reminded me again to live it well, and to capture each moment. Life can change so quickly!

Although there is nothing I could write that could capture the essence of what we witnessed last week, I hope these brief words will cause you to live life well today. And never forget that there is hope in Christ!