I had a revelation the other day. I was talking with a friend I hadn’t seen since college and it forced me to reflect on the old days. I’m sure we have all done that a time or two. But this time seemed to stick a lot longer in my reflection. We had been extremely close friends for a couple years (still are), almost scary how similar our life’s struggles had been and the commonalities we shared. I know God connected us for a reason. I was thinking about her a lot and missed her so I decided to shoot her a text to see how she was doing and to tell her I was thinking about her. Our communication was as if no time had passed. She was one of my best friends; but upon thinking about our conversation, I couldn’t help but realize a lot of time had passed that I let slip through my fingers. How did that happen? Why did I let that happen?
Don’t you often feel like it was just yesterday that… and you realize it’s been 5 years since then. Then you start to think about how fast the time has passed and eventually analyze whether that time was invested in the things that matter most to you. I have had that moment more times than once recently so it moved me to write this post.
Psalm 90:12 says, “So teach us to number our days that we may get a heart of wisdom.” Wisdom means knowledge of what is true or right. I feel that many times we don’t live our life with wisdom. We chase after mediocrity (sometimes) unknowingly, we fall victim to the world’s perception of ‘what’s right & wrong,’ we let days, weeks, months and even years pass with grudges in our heart; I could go on and on. Then we reflect on our life and get anxious because so much time has passed with little accomplishment. What I find even more profound is that this revelation happens to each and every one of us at some point and yet many people do nothing with it.
As Chris Brady recently stated in his article, “Motivational Myths” many people have heard or said the phrase, it’s never too late. “But there is one certainty as reliable as taxes: there IS a time when it’s too late. When you’re dead, it’s too late! Or when you’ve blown the important relationships in your life, it is probably too late. Or when you have destroyed your health, it’s too late! There IS a too late!”
So we have to stop living as if we have forever. We don’t have forever and there is a too late! And with that I comprised a list of daily habits I can commit to in order to ensure that I am living each day with wisdom:
- Tell the people you love that you love them.
- Evaluate priorities and ensure that the most important priorities are accomplished.
- Encourage everyone you come into contact with.
- Smile.
- If you are thinking about someone, tell them you are thinking about them.
I know what you are thinking. How simple! But how many times do the simple things get lost and neglected in the chaos of life. I love the-life-business because it gives people a light into their future. It tells people that change is important, that people are important and that life is important. If it wasn’t for Orrin Woodward, George Guzzardo and all the LIFE founders, who had the courage years ago to develop wisdom and decide to live a life of excellence I know that my life may have been lived with many regrets. There is really no way to show that appreciation except by following their example and leading others to the same information so they too can have that same opportunity.
I heard this song on a Christian radio station the other day and thought it would end this article well.
Please feel free to add to my list above in the comments section. We will all benefit from them.
“But concerning that day or that hour, no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father.” Mark 13:32
Don’t let it slip on by…
Blessings, Kristen
How many of us really understand that we don’t have 1000 years? Thank you for making a difference in how we treat each day and each moment.
Amen George! Unfortunately most people realize it too late. Thanks for showing us by your example that each day counts.
You are an amazing writer and I am so glad you have this blog. As your friend, I have always believed that your words needed to be spoken, written, shared with others. Time moves quickly, that we cannot control; however, we do have the choice to live life each and every day and share our love with those around us. You are the one of the best people at doing that.
Thanks Lynds, you have always been an example of that as well. Blessed to know you and blessed to be your friend. Look forward to seeing you Saturday!
Always delighted to read your blog, your wisdom surpasses your age. I thank God Almighty for putting you in my path every day. I would add to the list: FORGIVE yourself and others, we are not perfect but are reaching towards perfection and in that journey we will make mistakes. Get up brush off and keep going. Forgiving is as much benefit for you as it is for the one receiving it. Also here is a verse I bring to memory many times when self doubt creeps in: Joshua 1:9 (ESV) Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” … words that keep me grounded.
Absolutely Imelda, forgive is a great #6… I was always told to never go to bed angry with someone and sometimes that means forgiving and asking for forgiveness.
This is great food for thought. It is funny how in this time and age we feel we have to call and make an appointment to see family members. You feel weird just stopping on in. Why ? Everyone is so busy and don’t make time for the life.
Amazing you are. You are such an inspiration to both the young and not so young. May we all make every moment count for His glory. Hugs.
Lori, you are certainly making each moment count! Blessed to know you and striving to follow the example of you and Mark.
Wonderful blog, Kristen! In addition to #6 Forgive, I think I’ll add “help someone else to smile” to #4. Your mom is an excellent example of that!
I agree, it’s all about serving others, thanks Patti!
Great article, the song/video really bring it home too. Thanks for sharing your wisdom and heart Kristen.
Thanks Dave, you are making a difference!
Great message Kristen, we all need to be reminded not to let life slip on by and that it is never too late.
God bless!
Right on Joanne. So proud of how you and Kurt are becoming serv ant leaders.
Amen Joanne, very proud of you and Kurt!
Yet another bit of wisdom. Just like most of your blogs this is right on. As we grow more mature time seems to pick up speed. This from experience so grap hold of life and live it to the full. Some get so soon older to later smart. It’s not to late to keep learning each and every day. Thanks to you and the LIFE/TEAM community we can make a difference. God Bless you my young friend.
Bill, you display the art of living life with a purpose better than anyone! It pushes me to be better every day. Proud to be in the battle with you!
I always look forward to reading your blogs. Thanks and God Bless
Lena
Keep making a difference Lena!
Hi Kristen, I met you briefly at a major in Columbus this past year. Because of your example I am motivated to share LIFE more and more with younger folks who have “their whole life in front of them”. I have a large family and I’m excited that three of my children have joined me and my wife on this journey! Thanks so much for sharing this song. I don’t want my life “to slip on by” without making a difference. Thanks again for your example and encouragement!! God bless!
It’s so neat to hear the stories of families who build the LIFE business together. If it can impact one person’s life in a drastic way I can’t imagine the impact it can make when families buy into the cause. Proud of you for your courage to pursue excellence and make a difference for you and your family!
It doesn’t really matter what would have been or could have been. We need to live our lives to the best of our abilities. We’ll all be in eternity a lot longer than we will be on earth. I will read when I can. I know some day my eyes will get better. In the meantime I will continue to wear out CDs. I don’t know how many times we heard this message, Kristen, which is why we need to make haste to live our lives in excellence.
Amen Randy, you are taking the right road and on your way to big things! Keep fighting the good fight.
Once again my young leader you are an inspiration to everyone that is blessed to come into contact with you! I am truly amazed at how you reframe things that you are thinking about and in time….you explain in a way that truly helps everyone!
Thank you for using your God given talents and share them with others.
God bless Dave
Dave, you have believed in me when no one else did and for that I owe you a lifetime of gratitude. Thanks for all you do, you are changing the world one person at a time!
Kristen,
Thank you for taking the time to post this blog. I know how much time and effort can go into a blog post, especially one as good as this. 🙂 Samantha and I feel greatly blessed to be on this journey with you!
God Bless
Thanks Jeremy, you and Samantha are awesome examples of a life not being wasted. Proud of you guys for becoming next generation leaders!
A very touching blog, Kristen! I just put the kids to bed a short time ago…now I want to wake them up and play with them some more! As many have said, we don’t have forever, we need to spend our time wisely!
Amen Larry, couldn’t have said it any better. Tell the girls I say HI! (but wait until the morning 😉