Do It Today!

I don’t know about you, but over the past two years it has felt like there was a rapid rate of death. Yes, I know we’ve been in a pandemic for the past two years and it has definitely resulted in a large number of deaths. But I don’t mean those. It feels as if there has been an increase in cancer diagnoses. People have died from other illnesses and rather young, too. I don’t know if it’s true or it’s just my perception of it since I’ve been home more than would usually be normal. 

Either way, it has made me think about how I live my life and the need to be present in every moment. I’m sure I’ve said this before, but it bears saying again – none of us know how long we have on earth (Prov 27:1). While we are chasing whatever dream or working long hours, time is passing us by. There is only so much time to spend with children or parents or siblings or friends or so many others who are important parts of our lives. I’m not suggesting that any one should renege on their responsibilities. I’m only recommending that we determine what’s really important. Then spend some time doing that. Don’t put it off (Prov 6:4). 

Of course, our relationship with the Lord should be the most important relationship we nourish (Matt 6:33). When everyone and everything else is gone, He will still never forsake or leave us. But, then, we need to remember the other relationships that are most important to us – and spend time feeding them (Prov 27:23-24). We need to spend time with those closest to us to strengthen those relationships. We need to remember why careers and such are so important – not just to buy stuff or to make a name for ourselves but to take care of those closest to us and to bless others. Nothing we have is for us and us alone – we are here to be a blessing to someone else (Phil 2:4). That includes our time. Sometimes time is much more important that money. 

The blessing we share might look like a phone call or a note in the mail or a text just to let someone know you’re thinking of them. Maybe it’s sending a small gift. That can be the encouragement someone needs to get up. You never know what someone is going through. A small kindness could make all the difference for them. If someone crosses your mind, don’t take it lightly and don’t put it off. Call or text them. Pray for and with them. You never know how that may impact their lives and possibly the lives of others as they imitate our behavior. We have the opportunity to impact the world. What are we going to do with it?