As I read, “Then Abraham gave up the ghost, and died in a good old age, an old man, and full of years; and was gathered to his people” (Gen. 25:8). I thought Abraham died full of years, but I want to live with years full of life. At times I know my heart says go, but my body says no. I am old in body, but my mind, heart are still young. Then I thought of Caleb who had years full of life. As they entered the promised land Caleb excitedly said, “Behold, the LORD hath kept me alive…these forty and five years… and now, lo, I am this day fourscore and five (85) years old. Caleb can give 85 reasons (age) why he wants to live a full life. As yet I am as strong this day as I was in the day that Moses sent me: as my strength was then, even so is my strength now… Now therefore give me this mountain… And Joshua blessed him, and gave unto Caleb… Hebron (mountain) for an inheritance” (Josh. 14:10-14).
I have learned that you may not be able to add years to your life, but you can add life to your years. Don’t die with a life full of years but live years full of life. Don’t count the years, but make the years count. As you go on before, what have you left behind? I have learned that an inheritance is something you leave to people, but a legacy is something you leave in people. I have noticed that at funerals people usually talk about last words, or last times they saw the person. Also, after death, it seems everyone has good things to say about you. It was said that the meanest man in town died and a woman who always found good things to say approached the casket. People all watched and listened as she said, “He sure was a good whistler.” Also note tombstones have birth and death separated by a small hyphen which represents your short lifetime.
Be aware that life is as a vapor that departs quickly (James 4:14), shadow (Job 8:9) that fades, water (2 Sam. 4:14) spilled upon the ground. Some say, “Time is fast.” Why? Because time never stops but you do. Some state, “Give your flowers while you are living.” I like to say, “Do your giving while you’re a living so you will be knowing where it’s a going.” When you go ahead, what will you leave behind?
Fact: You cannot relive your life so you must make the days ahead the best you have ever known. I have learned that loving moments make lasting memories. Each day seek to have loving moments that can become lasting memories. You cannot change the past, but you can change the future. You cannot change the beginning but you can change the ending. Learn to say, “The best things in life are people, not things. Don’t love things – Love people. There is no substitute for family, friends, and loved ones. They need your presence more than your presents. In closing remember, “Loving Moments Make Lasting Memories.” So while you are still living keep giving so you will be knowing where it is a going.
Don’t just live a full life, but live a life that is full.
