I spent the last few days at my mother's bedside. She had been battling cancer for several years.
As she was ending her time here on earth, I watched as her breathing became less frequent. 10 seconds between breaths. Then 20 seconds between breaths. Then 30 seconds between breaths. After a few minutes, she breathed her last breath and she was gone.
I stood there weeping. Even though I know she is in heaven, it still hurt deeply and will continue to hurt deeply in the years to come.
All of us will one day be at the same place my mother was. We will breathe our last breath. As we move toward that moment, everything else will fade away. It will become apparent what really matters...our faith and our family and our friends.
My mother left a legacy in her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren.
How does this happen? I believe it starts by living a life that acknowledges that what we do and how we live matters.
It also happens when you live your life on purpose...pouring your life into those around you and those who are coming behind you.
You see...it's not about what you leave for people...it's about what you leave in people.
It's okay to have "stuff." But in the end, the "stuff" won't matter.
Our car will end up in the junkyard.
Our house will be lived in by someone else.
Our furnishings will be sold or given away.
In light of this...
Pour yourself into your family.
Pour yourself into people.
Pour yourself into the next generation.
Pour yourself into what matters for eternity.
Pour yourself into your relationship with God.
Time moves quickly...so make every day count.
Time moves quickly...so go all out in helping others.
Time moves quickly...so treat those around you with kindness and thoughtfulness.
Time moves quickly...so help others know Jesus.
Time moves quickly...so help others grow in their relationship with God.
Every breath we have is precious. Determine today that you are going to make every breath count.
If you don't want to have regrets, then start today. Now is the time.
The cemetery where we buried my mother is right across the street from where the funeral was held. After the service, we walked across the street to the graveside. As we walked through the different grave markers, I noticed the "dashes" between the years people were born and when they died.
How are you going to live during the "dash?" Make it count. It will be all that matters when you take your last breath.
