We went to the funeral of friend’s mom recently. She died suddenly of a heart attack while at home with her husband, who was only into his second week of retirement. When my father-in-law Gary heard the news and learned that they were both in the same age range, he reflected, “Wow. I guess I’m really on borrowed time.”
He’s right. But not just because he was diagnosed with severe rheumatoid arthritis in his twenties and probably hasn’t had a pain-free day since then. And not just because he continues to amaze his doctors with how long he’s been able to keep on going. No, he’s right because we are ALL on borrowed time.
That becomes obvious when we hear of sudden heart attacks and car accidents. When we are faced with stories of tornadoes that drop out of the sky, ending lives at random, or see the aftermath of troubled souls who decided children are suitable targets for acts of terrorism.
Life expectancy may be 78 but that doesn’t mean we can expect to make it there.
Gary is on borrowed time. I’m on borrowed time. And so are you. The real question is, how are we investing this time we are borrowing?
By watching more TV? Keeping busy with activities that don’t really matter? Staying put on a career path we don’t really like?
Or are we building something wonderful by living with a sense of urgency and making hard choices that lead to a better story and a lasting legacy?
The choice is yours. But hurry, the clock is ticking.
{ 10 comments… read them below or add one }
For me at the moment, caring for those close to me.
Evan´s Last Fabulous Post ..Building Experience for the Job You Want in the One You Have
That’s a big one, Evan. Wishing you strength and grace!
Jason of Kim & Jason´s Last Fabulous Post ..How to Make Crunch Berry Ice Cream
Thanks Jason.
Evan´s Last Fabulous Post ..Building Experience for the Job You Want in the One You Have
I’m attending the funeral today of one of my dearest athletes, 32 years of age. Heartbreaking. Perspective gaining. Live each moment.
Kaarina Dillabough´s Last Fabulous Post ..MIA Online and Low Flying Planes
Yikes. NOT a fun day. My thoughts and prayers are with you, Kaarina.
Jason of Kim & Jason´s Last Fabulous Post ..The World is Filled with Awesome Things
I often reflect on this. I lost a sister at 16, a son at 23, a mother at 32, a father at 34, a daughter at 35, another sister at 41. Death has always surrounded me and that is why I suppose I tend to think differently than most. I am always grateful and thankful for each day that I wake and get to spend with my family. I am always thinking how to leave this world a better place for those I love. I rarely stress over things because I find 99% of things to be transitory and in the scheme of things insignificant. Given time, things will eventually work out without your worrying and input. I am always kind, patient, giving, even if sometimes it is not reciprocated. I live my life with the knowledge that tomorrow might not come and so I do the very best each day, the tenets of kindness and forgiveness guiding me always so that my heart and mind be always at peace with myself and with others. Yes, we are ALL borrowed time and to live it honorably and with kindness and compassion, I believe is a life well lived.
What amazing perspective you have, Rebecca! And what a blessing you are to be able to share that with others, not only in word but by your example!
Jason of Kim & Jason´s Last Fabulous Post ..How We Spent Our 13th Anniversary
Trying to make as many happy memories with my family as possible. Their happy smiles and genuine joy mean so much to me.
Yum Yucky´s Last Fabulous Post ..I made protein cupcakes. They suck really bad.
To the point Jason … and an excellent point it is. I often think of my mortality however still think and act as a 20 something … I’m only partially ‘in denial’. I try to value each & every moment and spend time on what is important to me. Thankyou for this.
Be good to yourself
David
David Stevens´s Last Fabulous Post ..“Do your Best” – what does this really mean?
Hmmm…borrowed time.
But in a way, are we not all living on borrowed time one way or the other?
As you have rightly pointed out, going to events like funerals remind us of the fickle nature of this world that we live in and the finite nature of our existence -at least right here on earth.
It also becomes a lot more complicated when we see that some go through this existence with a great deal of pain.
But I must say that the most important point is the one you have raised, with the right question: How are we investing this time we are borrowing?
Allan´s Last Fabulous Post ..Diabetic Diarrhea Symptoms Exposed. Foods to Eat. Treatment Ideas…