Award-winning Publishers Weekly Best-selling Author

What if…we lived today like it was our last?

by | Aug 1, 2011 | , , , , , , | What If... | 1 comment

She hummed the tune of a song that quickly became the theme of her life since she received the news. She looked to the sky and took in the wispy clouds splattered on top of the blue canvas. She let the gentle breeze whip her hair around in an unruly fashion. What did it matter?

The smell from her lilac bush danced around her nose and she inhaled. Would her favourite flower scent be even deeper where she was going? She could only hope and imagine.

Her husband and children would be home soon. Supper was not ready, but she didn’t care. She just wanted to sit in their presence. She would listen to the events of their day and savour the moment. It would pass too quickly.

Just like life.

She smiled as the hummingbird hovered around her fuchsias. The deep whirling sound from its wings made her stop and take notice.

Something she should have done a long time ago. Stopped and paid attention. She would definitely do that today because who knew what tomorrow would bring?

She bent down, pulled a weed from her flower garden, and began to sing at the top of her lungs. She didn’t care who heard her.

I went sky diving, I went rocky mountain climbing,
I went two point seven seconds on a bull named Fu Man Chu.
And I loved deeper and I spoke sweeter,
And I gave forgiveness I’d been denying.
An’ he said: “Some day, I hope you get the chance,
“To live like you were dyin’.”*

What would you do if you found out today was one of your last few days on earth? It’s a deep question. One we all need to consider. We live in such a fast-paced-rollercoaster-world that it’s hard to keep up and takes our breath away. Unfortunately, it seems to be winding up more like pop-up toy. How do we stop and get off before it springs out of control?

I think the words of this song hits the nail on the head. We need to live like we’re dying. I believe this would make us be better Christians, spouses, family members, friends, etc. We would stop and think about someone other than ourselves. Kinder, gentler and a more effective witness. I’m talking to myself here too. I know I’ve failed in so many ways more than once.

So, let’s think about what our perfect last day would be like. Would we grumble and complain alienating everyone around us? Or treat others with more compassion? Would you nestle in the arms of your Saviour? Or would you be like the prodigal son and run back to your heavenly Father?

I think I would do what I love to do with those I love.

Let’s all live like we’re dying. Every day.

*Written by Tim Nichols and Craig Wiseman

I took this picture at sunset by the lake at my brother and sister-in-law’s cabin in NB. Breathtaking!

1 Comment

  1. Stephanie

    Oh, Dar…This is a wonderful post. Sorry I didn’t get to it earlier. Glad I’m catching up now. And the picture you’ve painted with your word choice…Wow! I love it.

    You, my friend, are a blessing.

    Reply

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