How to Live Like You Are Dying
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“This is quite a wake-up call.” My husband shook his head in disbelief as he adjusted his oxygen mask. He spent eight days in intensive care.
You learn to really value every second of your life when you come close to losing it. We have a new found appreciation for sunshine and laughter. We celebrate the gift of waking up in our own bed and the privilege of holding hands as we sit side by side on the couch. Every meal is a feast. Every smile is a tender embrace.
I want to make the most of the 86,400 seconds allotted to me today.
I’ve fully faced the truth: my days are numbered. I am not promised tomorrow.
How to Live Like You Are Dying
Love with reckless abandon.
Love lays itself down. Don’t hoard your heart. Pour out all as an alabaster offering
(Matthew 5:40-42; John 13:35 & 15:13; Matthew 26:7-13).
Punch fear in the face.
Fear paralyzes you in a stagnant pool of doubt. Plunge fully into the depths of your faith. Be brave. Remember to live is Christ and to die is gain (Hebrews 11:1, 6, 8; Philippians 1:21).
Embrace every moment.
Don’t be casual about your day. Press in to community and impress on your people the importance of living a crucified life (Proverbs 4:10-15; Galatians 2:20).
Time is short. Hold nothing back. Live like you are dying.
ARE YOU READY TO FIRE UP YOUR FAITH?
So grateful to hear that your man is back home where he belongs, Lyli! Rest and recover well, you lovebirds …
I’m so thankful he’s doing better! Thanks for sharing this important wake up call with all of us.
So thankful your hubby is home. Why is it we seem to need to come close to death to learn how to really live? Blessings!
You and your husband have certainly come through the fire.
Your words remind me of a quote from Annie Dillard (that I’ve used in naming my blog) — The way we live our days is, after all, the way we will live our life.
Dedicating every little moment to the plan and purpose of God is the way to make avoid regret.
Glad to hear your husband is doing better! So grateful for this wisdom you’re offering today.
Lyli, so glad your husband is improving. Beautiful words of insight, today, thank you. And, thanks for hosting the linkup this morning. ((hug))
I’m so glad he is doing better. Rev came very close to death in 2007. We’ve been counting bonus days ever since and recently passed 3,000. You’re right, it makes every day a gift.
Thank you, Lyli. I need this reminder at the beginning of every day. I’m so glad you are enjoying every small thing with your husband.
Lyli, you rock, girl. You’ve taken a hard situation and showed us how to live life as a poured-out alabaster offering. (I love that!) Seriously, you’ve given encouragement to charge into today “God” style. So glad Bruce is past that scary time, recovering and enjoying each day with you, all 86,400 seconds, and you with him. Let’s hold each other accountable to live like we’re dying, okay?
Great post, Lyli! When my husband and I take people through the life planning process, one of the first things they have to do is write their own eulogy. At first it seemed a little grim, but over the years, we’ve seen it help them “live like they are dying”. With the end in mind, they are able to plan better for what they want their lives to look like rather than let life slowly pass them by. I love how you put these ideas into short bullet points. It makes it feel so easy to apply!
Such powerful words, Lyli. So thankful to God you are getting to live life as a gift together with your husband at your side. Thank you for encouraging us here to seek after what really matters.
Lyli, it is amazing how God wakes us up to the preciousness of our days, isn’t it? I am so glad that Bruce has improved. #1 spoke to my heart this morning as I also mentioned the woman with the alabaster box this morning. I love when God does things like this in my life. It makes me realize how He truly sees me and knows what is on my heart. Grateful for your words!
Lyli, thank you so much for sharing these thoughts with us! I want to take your advice and really live!
Lyli, so glad your sweet hubby is home and you both are living aware of each moment!
“Be brave.” That’s my favorite part of what your wrote here today. Your strength in the Lord just beams off the screen. It’s so easy to back away in fear, so many times throughout everyday. Facing fear as if it’s our last chance to is bravery defined.
Happy Thursday! And I’m so glad your husband is OK.
Megs
Praising God for your husband’s recovery.
Your testimony showcases how God redeems ALL things. A renewed appreciation for the life the Lord has blessed you and your husband with all the days He has numbered for you on this planet, and an encouragement to all of us who read to number our days.
You share much wisdom here.
Thank you so much! Many blessings to you! 🙂
I’m so glad he’s home and recovering! God is good! Being in the hospital really shakes things up – praying all the good stuff settles into your hearts – and that God just sweeps away the other! Shalom!
Amen! A beautiful to fully live each of our moments. I am so thankful your husband is doing better and so sorry for what you all went through. Praying for you guys!
Blessings and smiles,
Lori