Recent events have made me more aware than ever that our time here on earth is short and we aren’t promised another day, hour, minute or second. 

In the last few months our family has experienced five deaths, the last being, my nephew Justin, a young man of only twenty-four.  I thought about all of the things that he’s not going to get to do.  Things like falling in love and getting married, having kids, watching them grow up, growing old and becoming a grandparent. Then I thought about all of the things he did do.  He loved people, all people.  He took care of his family and friends.  He made people laugh and smile.  He was unselfish and proved this even more so in death.  Some may be tired of hearing us talk about Justin, but his life and death have truly affected my very being.  He has made me want to be a better person.

There is a song by Switchfoot called “This Is Your Life” and it begs the question “Are you who you want to be?”  We may think that we have so much time to do the things we need to do, to say the things we need to say, and change the things we need to change.  The truth, however, is we never really know how long we have.  Parents, love your kids because they are still here with you and you can, kids, honor your parents and hug them often.  Husbands, kiss your wives, wives kiss your husbands and always hold them close.  Grandparents, cherish those grandbabies, they are so precious. 

My challenge for you is go and be who you are meant to be.  Shine your light while you still can so others might see the way.  Laugh and make people laugh, love and be loved.  Stop and take notice, smell the roses, cherish every moment and live, because you can.  We all need to be very aware that there are time limits on life and the clock is ticking.

© Candice Murphy 2008