Kevin Welch wrote, “There’ll be two dates on your tombstone and all your friends will read ‘em. But all that’s gonna matter is that little dash between ‘em.” Sometimes when I look back on my life, it almost seems like a little dash that has flown by so quickly. Other times when I think about my past it seems like a marathon that tires me out just thinking about it. I have been given one life here with no guarantee of tomorrow. Fortunately, I learned early to do the best I can living one day at a time with God’s help. That view of life has become even more important to me as I grow older. I don’t want to reach the end with any regrets about a kind word unspoken or a mission left undone.
I read recently about a middle aged woman who had a heart attack and while on the operating table she had a near death experience. She found herself standing before God and asking, “Is it my time already?” God told her, “No. As a matter of fact you have forty years, two months and six days of life remaining.” When she recovered, she determined to make the most of all of those remaining years. She stayed in the hospital for a face lift, liposuction and a tummy tuck. She even had someone come in to dye and restyle her hair. She left the hospital feeling like a new woman, but was struck by a truck while crossing the street and died instantly. Standing once again before God she asked, “I thought you told me I had forty years left to live. Why didn’t you pull me from the path of that truck?” God replied, “I didn’t recognize you.” We can laugh at that story, but we know God sees more than our outward appearance. Although – I wonder sometimes if He recognizes us when He sees the way we live the life we have been given.
I have a Face Book friend in Nashville. We met online through common friends in the pest control industry, but we soon discovered that we also have faith in Christ and love for people in common. (She even loves and shares my blog.) She has a weekly radio program on a Christian station that she has titled, “Living your best life.” She is very active in community organizations locally, regionally and nationally. She has the best family, friends and guests on her show. Every year around Christmas, she becomes Mrs. Santa, bringing presents, love and cheer to homes for children in the area. I told her recently that I live vicariously through her “road trips” and activities. She replied, “Buckle your seat belt! This summer is going to be a record breaker.” Genma Holmes is living her best life a day at a time – every day.