One thing that we should always remember and keep in mind is that our life is not our own. We are on this earth for a set time according to our life’s purpose. So many people today have goals of simply growing older; retiring from their jobs, enjoying their golden years, etc, but that is not what we are meant for.
We are meant to change this world as best as we are able to no matter if we are 9 or 99 and when we have done our best and given our all, then our time for heaven will come. That is why I believe we should start each new day with purpose. Let us look for opportunities to bless someone else, to share an encouraging word, to let someone know that God loves them and so do we. A life lived with purpose will be a significant life that will make an impact upon others that will never be forgotten or erased from their hearts and minds.
I know people who have lived very few years and died way before I thought they should have, but the difference they made with the life they lived greatly exceeds many of those who live even 100 years and yet don’t make that same impact upon this world. That is why I believe age has very little to do with one’s impact upon one’s fellow man.
When we simply follow what we know in our hearts is our life’s mission and we do it each and every day that we are blessed enough to have, we will be used to the fullest and when our usefulness has been used up, we can look forward to that glorious homecoming where we will spend eternity in the presence of our Heavenly Father.
That is my prayer for my life. I wish to be used until I am all used up so that every gift that I was entrusted with was given away with purity of heart and thoughtfulness of mind so that all who partook of my gifts looked more importantly to heaven above giving God thanks and praise for the blessings they received through His vessel.
I pray that you think about your life in the same manner. Don’t you want to be remembered for doing good, for blessing your neighbor, for helping someone else become better than they were before? Don’t you want to make your life significant upon this earth so that your impact can be felt for generations to come? I hope the answer will always be yes because this life is short no matter how long we may live in it. Let us use this temporary time then to leave an impact that will last forever.
Here’s a story that you may have heard before, but I think it illustrates my point here. The author is unknown, but I think you will enjoy it.
“Tomorrow morning,” the surgeon began, “I’ll open up your heart…” “You’ll find Jesus there,” the boy interrupted.
The surgeon looked up, annoyed. “I’ll cut your heart open,” he continued, “to see how much damage has been done…”
“But when you open up my heart, you’ll find Jesus in there.”
The surgeon looked to the parents, who sat quietly. “When I see how much damage has been done, I’ll sew your heart and chest back up and I’ll plan what to do next.”
“But you’ll find Jesus in my heart. The Bible says He lives there. The hymns all say He lives there. You’ll find Him in my heart.”
The surgeon had had enough. “I’ll tell you what I’ll find in your heart. I’ll find damaged muscle, low blood supply, and weakened vessels. And I’ll find out if I can make you well.”
“You’ll find Jesus there, too. He lives there.” The surgeon left.
Later, he sat in his office, recording his notes from the surgery, “…damaged aorta, damaged pulmonary vein, and widespread muscle degeneration. No hope for transplant, no hope for cure. Therapy: painkillers and bed rest. Prognosis:” here he paused, “death within one year.”
He stopped the recorder, but there was more to be said. “Why?” he asked aloud. “Why did You do this? You’ve put him here; You’ve put him in this pain; and You’ve cursed him to an early death. Why?”
The Lord answered and said, “The boy, My lamb, was not meant for your flock for long, for he is a part of My flock, and will forever be. Here, in My flock, he will feel no pain, and will be comforted as you cannot imagine. His parents will one day join him here, and they will know peace, and My flock will continue to grow.”
The surgeon’s tears were hot, but his anger was hotter. “You created that boy, and You created that heart. He’ll be dead in months. Why?” The Lord answered, “The boy, My lamb, shall return to My flock, for he has done his duty: I did not put My lamb with your flock to lose him, but to retrieve another lost lamb.”
The surgeon wept.
The surgeon sat beside the boy’s bed; the boy’s parents sat across from him. The boy awoke and whispered, “Did you cut open my heart?” “Yes,” said the surgeon. “What did you find?” asked the boy.
“I found Jesus there,” said the surgeon.
I hope this story inspires and motivates you to practice God’s love to every person every chance you get!