It's time to live like we are dying

My work girlfriends and I attended a funeral today for a young lady who passed away too soon.  I say that because she was only 40, but we all know that God chooses for us how long we stay here among our loved-ones and exactly when we get to fly away to be with him!!

All the same, I sat there thinking "what if" about myself, have I done what God placed me here to do, could I be a better wife, sister, friend (fill in the blank)?  Would my husband miss me??  Would my friends remember the way I laugh??  If I cross someone's mind, would it be a joyful memory or would it be a regret???

There is a country-western song (cue the group eye roll from my friends because I ALWAYS quote c-w songs) called "Live Like You Were Dying" sung by Tim McGraw.  It is about a man who finds out that he is dying so he goes sky-diving, bull-riding, mountain climbing....you get the picture.  But the part that strikes home is he also..."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'."

Blogging friends...I am going to strive to do that.  I issue you the challenge as well.  Do one thing each day as if you were dying...instead of a harsh word toward your child, give them a kiss, instead of a sigh of frustration when your husband interrupts your...fill in the blank because they ALWAYS interrupt whatever we are doing...stop what you are doing and give him your full attention while he talks, instead of seeing mom's number on the phone and letting it go to voicemail, pick it up and really LISTEN to her.

Instead of scripture today, I will end with a verse from one of the songs we sung today at Rose's funeral:  Shepherd me oh God beyond my wants, beyond my fears, from death into Life.

May God grant you peace.

Love, Kerry