TGIF
When I received my medical diagnosis, I set about to do what I thought was the right thing.
I began preparing to die.
My father died after the same surgery I will have to undergo, so I figured time was short.
Because I’m a pastor and a family man, I had to get this right.
I’m supposed to demonstrate how to croak well.
There was all manner of spiritual and emotional work that had to be done.
There were projects to finish as well, things I didn’t want to leave undone.
I did all this pretty well.
Too well.
I was so busy preparing to die that I forgot that I was still alive.
I was living as if I was already gone.
As with most things in my life, I took this dying thing too far.
Upon recognizing this (with the help of godly counsel and a foot in my backside) I made a course correction.
I’m still here and God willing, will be for some time longer.
I’m here, by the grace of God, to live life as fully as possible.
Still, there are some things I learned about living while getting ready to die.
We’re all dying, only some of us are really living.
As Bowden wrote;”some of the dead are still breathing”.
God is faithful.
Life is precious.
Life is good.
I will be remembered by those I hugged, not those I debated.
I don’t regret anything I gave away… except time to foolish people and diversions.
Time is your most valuable currency…spend it wisely and mostly with people who are your treasures as well.
Today is a gift.
There is always something to give thanks about.
Always.
I wouldn’t mind staying a while longer…
Make your own application…
Amen!
Double Amen!
This foolish person appreciates your time.
Glad your still here, keep it up! ?
Awesome. Amen. Thank you. Always.
Your describing one of the peculiar paradoxes of life. It is good that we can trust the One who numbers our days.
You are generous with your time and your heart.
You don’t always know what life-suckers will gobble those up, and which ones can actually change.
“The generous man will be prosperous and those who water will themselves be watered.”
You have some water and some “prosperity” coming your way. Quotes because it often looks different than we think and hope.
I wonder how many of “the least of these” know we advocate for them, stand up for them.
I remember 2 different undocumented coworkers who had a chip on their shoulder when we talked. One in high school, one in college. One pulled weeds and dealt with cacti side by side as a peer, one had a slightly worse job at a restaurant. Neither knew I advocated for them. And I doubt they would guess this “rich” kid from Scottsdale felt compassion for them.
Beautiful, Michael! Life is precious!
I think about death often, more than is reasonable or necessary, so I get it. There was a time when I was wondering when the real living would start. Everything seemed to be preparation. Then I realized one day that I was over the audition and this is it. Suddenly I started wondering how long I would be around to do this living. Anyway, I understand this.
Just finished the book on Calvary Chapel … please.
Then you won’t have to worry about dying, someone will see to it.
Yikes.
BD,
That’s the funniest thing seen here in a very long time.
I’m working on it… 🙂
Thanks to all today…
Very insightful, Michael….so glad you’re getting your hugging on 🙂
amen to the post and all the comments following – hope you’re getting good hugs in return, Michael
so sad, to not enjoy Christ in the here and now – Lord, we need more joy and we need it now
have mercy on us, indeed
“Just finished the book on Calvary Chapel … please.”
What book?
Please?
You are in no position to talk being that your camp is filled with charlatans, nut cases, foolish prophetic utterances and intellectual midgets…….
uh oh – the “ed” typo tripped up pstmike, i think
Didn’t consider that Em, and perhaps you’re right. I read the statement through the lens of years of reading harsh critiques from an individual who’s tribe is the most problematic camp within the church.
pstmike, just seemed kind of humorous to me tonight, so i butted in – again – i think pastor dread was telling Michael to finish the book, rather than saying he’d read the book (which isn’t finished – we’re all waiting) 🙂
God keep
There is always something to give thanks about.
Always.
What a great truth, Michael. I’m grateful for the time you give to us.
What’s this book on Calvary Chapel?
Do we get to hear the overall story?
The Michael story?