Linda Buishas
Tim McGraw’s song “Live Like You Were Dying” tells us about getting the most out of life, setting priorities, and leaving this life with no regrets. We’re reminded that it shouldn’t take knowing that we’re dying to focus on truly living. Shortened in deference to space allowed, it goes something like this:
“… I went skydiving, I went Rocky Mountain climbing, I went 2.7 seconds on a bull named Fumanchu. I loved deeper and I spoke sweeter, and I gave forgiveness I’d been denying … I was finally the husband that most of the time I wasn’t, and I became a friend a friend would like to have … I finally read the Good Book, and I took a good, long, hard look at what I’d do if I could do it all again. Then I went skydiving …”
I’m sure we’d all agree that what matters most is God, family, friendship, kindness, and love. Although “going Rocky Mountain climbing” or “2.7 seconds on a bull” can give us momentary happiness, when this life is over, we’d soon discover that excitement and worldly adventures would never get us to where we’d want or need to be.
By putting the “Good Book” high upon our list, we’d learn all we need to know about love, living the best life, and how to have joy here and in the next. We’d soon see that growing close to Jesus should be our highest priority. We’d learn what we should value most and that His Divine Love and Salvation are the greatest gifts of all.
The world was created just for us—to love, live, and laugh, so be sure to enjoy. But remember that the Good Book tells us that trusting Jesus will give us joy unsurpassed by earthly thrills, here and forevermore. He can always make life better and give us all the time we need for family, friends, responsibilities, and fun. The reward for following Him is in heaven and on earth.
I pray that before our lives are over, we grow closer to our Lord, as we draw others closer to Him, that He helps us to love deeper, speak a little sweeter, and give forgiveness whether or not it’s due. May we be the best husbands, wives, and loved ones and may we love Him as He loves us.
May there be no regrets when we take that “good, long, hard look” at what we’d do if we “could do it all again.” If some of us haven’t gone on adventures that others may have gone, here’s hoping it’s because the important things have always taken first place, like loving Jesus, spending more time in the Good Book and with loved ones, holding babies in our arms, and not regretting for a moment never having gone “skydiving, Rocky Mountain climbing, or going 2.7 seconds on a bull named Fumanchu.”
Linda is leading Bible studies in her home beginning in September. Contact her at [email protected] or [email protected].