1 Timothy 4:12 NIV
“Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young,
but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity.”
In a class last semester, I was challenged to develop a philosophy of life.
What drives me to do what I do, to act the way I act, to strive to continually grow and learn in all the many roles I take on?
I spent quite a bit of time pondering these thoughts, and eventually something came to mind. It had been hovering the entire time, but I pushed it away. I was unsure of whether this was truly my philosophy. It all started with the alarm clock sitting on the desk next to me as I was working on an assignment. As I watched the hands of that clock move steadily forward, the image of a tombstone flashed into my head: a birth date, a death date, and the dash in between.
The dash made me think about the legacy I want to leave.
I thought of the family I hope to one day have, the values I wish to pass on to my children by talking about Him in everyday conversation, reading Bible stories to them when they are young and discussing Scripture when they are older (which will prompt me to read my Bible even more). What made up that foundation for a philosophy of life for that assignment?
“We are too young to realize that certain things are impossible… So we will do them anyway.” William Wilberforce
When I look back over my life, I want to be satisfied with the way I lived this season.
This assignment caused me to ponder the brevity of life and the precious commodity we call time. Seconds tick by on a clock, and our days are filled with to-do lists. For me, days pass in a flurry of tasks to be checked off and instead of making time to truly live, I live to accomplish things that are seemingly important now, but they probably will not be later on.
Toby Keith, a country western singer, sings a song called “My List” that showcases my point.
“Under an old brass paperweight is my list of things to do today.
Go to the bank and the hardware store, put a new lock on the cellar door.
I cross them off when I get them done but when the sun is set there’s still more than a few things left I haven’t got to yet.
Like go for a walk, say a little prayer, take a deep breath of mountain air.
Put on my glove and play some catch, it’s time that I make time for that.
Wade the shore and cast a line.
Look up a long lost friend of mine.
Sit on the porch and give my girl a kiss.
Start living, that’s the next thing on my list.”
Ask God to show you today what is important.
What will be the next thing on your list?
[email_this_button]
{linking up here}
