“If you were told you were now living your last 48 hours, what would you do?”
Suddenly the value of all the material wealth is brought to the surface and it is null and void. Unresolved relationships ~~ dreams ~~ goals ~~ the spotlight is beaming down upon them. Priorities take a sudden shift. There’s no time to waste; every minute must count. The Legacy you leave behind has been silently written along the sidelines of your life, quietly tucked into the notebook entitled: ‘My Unintentional Playbook.’ What is running through your mind? What are those last few things you will set out to accomplish in your remaining 48 hours on earth?”
Working with the older adult population for over 20 years has given me front row to the unlimited maladies of mankind. I’ve been privy to the unsuspecting news of terminal illnesses ~~ so much, that I now have learned to comfort with the compassion of Christ from the deepest corners of my heart. Many times it’s not the oldest person in the room who declares their days have been numbered ~~ quite often it’s the ones in the prime of their retirement years ~~ those who had been saving up these precious years to enjoy in full splendor among family and friends.
More times than I can recall, I’ve been advised: “Live ~~ live intentionally ~~ because in the end it’s the immaterial things that really matter.”
Psalm 62:5-8 Let all that I am wait quietly before God, for my hope is in him. He alone is my rock and my salvation, my fortress where I will not be shaken. My victory and honor come from God alone. He is my refuge, a rock where no enemy can reach me. O my people, trust in him at all times. Pour out your heart to him, for God is our refuge.
I have come to learn that to truly live is to thrive ~~ not merely survive. And it is literally impossible to thrive without hope, purpose, confidence, and passion. These “treasures” are all found in God ~~ a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.
Every attempt at building a “reputation” (monument) is a failing attempt to glorify oneself through prideful means. Creating an “image” pales by comparison to the Image Maker Himself. How much of our numbered days and hours have we devoted to pouring energy into “elevating our status?”
Luke 18:18-23 Once a religious leader asked Jesus this question: “Good Teacher, what should I do to inherit eternal life?” “Why do you call me good?” Jesus asked him. “Only God is truly good. But to answer your question, you know the commandments: ‘You must not commit adultery. You must not murder. You must not steal. You must not testify falsely. Honor your father and mother.’” The man replied, “I’ve obeyed all these commandments since I was young.” When Jesus heard his answer, he said, “There is still one thing you haven’t done. Sell all your possessions and give the money to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.” But when the man heard this he became very sad, for he was very rich.
Part of me mourns for this wealthy man ~~ he could not let go of his earthly possessions ~~ for an invitation to have a relationship with God. He was given a choice to make, and it was less than 48 hours. In fact, Jesus put it to him in a “now or never” tone.
Luke 12:33-34 “Sell your possessions and give to those in need. This will store up treasure for you in heaven! And the purses of heaven never get old or develop holes. Your treasure will be safe; no thief can steal it and no moth can destroy it. Wherever your treasure is, there the desires of your heart will also be.
Listen, I understand the need to provide for your growing family ~~ I get it, Girlfriend. What I’m drawing attention to is how we are presently choosing to live these numbered breaths. I stand corrected just as much as anyone else. But while there is “still yet time,” I believe we can make the most of what God has given us.
So let me ask you again: “What would you do with this gift of 48 hours?”
LindaRJohnson
T2T Visionary
Titus Two 