Before I Die…

This past Saturday,  I celebrated another birthday. It’s not out of the norm to be a day where each of us considers our hopes, dreams, and goals. As I walked through a local downtown outdoor arts fair,  I couldn’t take my eyes off  of one particular large work of art. It was simply a black chalkboard with the repeated line stenciled in white… “Before I die I want to _____.”  People would walk by, grab a piece of chalk and simply fill in the blank.  They ranged from funny to extraordinary.  How would you fill out that blank?  Here’s a few that made me really think:

Before I die I want to see my family. Before I die I want to be free. (People actually walked up and simply put check marks beside this one) Before I die I want to make peace with all my decisions. Before I die I want to see a real dinosaur and a real dragon. (I saw the little boy write this one.) Before I die I want to see my grandkids. Before I die I want to forgive. Before I die I want to help make someone else’s miracle come true. (I especially love this one) Before I die I want to be remembered. Before I die I want to have lived a fulfilled life. Before I die I want to have fun – I forget to do that. Before I die I want to find who I really am. Before I die I want to make someone smile every day. Before I die I want to really be loved. Before I die I want to be ready to die in the name of Jesus Christ…and honestly not be afraid to do what He did.

So how about you?  We’re not guaranteed tomorrow. Jesus says, “I came that they might have life, and life abundant.” John 10:10. Other times, He speaks of life eternal.  In Him, we too are promised complete, abundant, and eternal life. Trouble free?  Nope.  Free?  Yep.  So here’s an idea: Love…today.  Forgive…today.  Be free…today.  Help be someone’s miracle…today.  See a dinosaur…ok, never-mind.  You get the idea.  Seek ye first the Kingdom of God, and His righteousness and all these things will be added.” Matt 6:33