For today’s thought, take one minute right now and jot down things you’d want to do if you only had 21 days left to live. Really. Stop what you’re doing and for the next 60 seconds, write down as many things that you can think of.
I've been thinking of only that for the past several days. I've been thinking about how quickly days turn into months turn into years, and suddenly my oldest has been baptized and my youngest has been weaned, and where did the time go? Did I spend it wisely?
I think often of Randy Pausch and his "Last Lecture" and how he spent his last year, and what am I doing with my todays that will make them memorable tomorrow? I love the story of the 1,000 marbles, and all those Saturdays that seem so endless (like Summer Vacation); but each day of every day is numbered. All of us are going.
What would I do if I knew the actual number of days? The though runs through my mind that I am not doing enough. I always feel like it has not been enough. If there were no tomorrows, I know what I would NOT do. Let's start there.
1. I wouldn't grade another paper. Ever.
2. I wouldn't hike to the top of Mt. Timpanogos, just to say I could.
3. I wouldn't worry about how messy my house was.
4. I wouldn't travel to some exotic place.
5. I wouldn't stop working.
I have thought hours about what I would do. In no particular order:
I'd read or have some special time with my children at night.
I'd sing to my children, so they would remember the sound of my voice.
I'd take each one on a date, somewhere, so they could have time alone with me.
I'd go on a date with John, a fun one, someplace unique and wonderful, like a tiny light shop, or a museum of fine art.
I'd teach some of my best, most finely tuned lessons at school, one last time.
I'd send an email or card to all my friends to remind them of how much I love them.
I'd phone my grandparents.
I'd re-read one of my favorite books.
I'd blog.
It turns out that the life I'm living is pretty close to what I'd do, even if I knew how many days I have left. I have a great life. My children are marvels, each one. My husband is fantastic. I associate with teenagers who will grow to be thriving adults in my community, and what I do with them and for them makes a difference in this world.
525,600 is the number of minutes in a year. If we are to "Carpe Diem" and seize the day, we must, therefore seize each of these moments, seconds, and make them count. I choose to make my mark on people, rather than objects, for people are the only thing that matters. Only our associations last into the hereafter, and if all I have left is today, I want you to know: You matter to me.
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