By Mark Maher
A life “well lived” probably has a lot of different meanings to different people. But what does a life “well lived” mean to you? Eugene Peterson called a life well lived “a long obedience in the same direction.” This sounds like a life where Christ took the lead and was at the forefront.
We may not be able to change “what was,” but we can change “what will be.” Life is steep with suffering and adversity, but it’s also rich in hope. As Romans 5:5 states, “And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us.”
Thank you for the gift of the “Holy Spirit.” His dwelling inside of us. The spirit that bleeds out the fruit of the spirit; love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.” (Galatians 5:22-23) Our hope is found in Him.
“The righteous shall live by faith.” (Romans 1:17) Are you living by faith? “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding.” (Proverbs 3:5-6) Have you surrendered your need to know? Our faith is walked out in the little steps of obedience all day. Over time these little steps become the life of “what will be.”
Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.” (Hebrews 11:1) How do you choose to live your life? Do we choose to live life safe, sound, and secure or are we taking all kinds of risks? Which path is better?
We know death is inevitable. What lessons do you learn when you look back at someone’s life at funerals? What do you put a high preference on? The accomplishments or how they treated people? Is kindness important to you? Are you a connector? Do you value relationships? At the end of your life, do you want it to be said that you were rich in relationships?
How do we choose to do this life? Do you value peace and tranquility? Were you a servant for Christ? Do you let other people know they matter?
Will your legacy be how individuals remember you? “I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” Maya Angelou
So I think it makes a difference how you make people feel. That’s why the fruit of the spirit is so important. I want to do each of these well when I’m around anyone; “love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.” God, teach me to love others well. I want to live a life “well lived.” Don’t let me blow it. Let me have eyes to see. Let me honor those around me.
In the movie, “it’s a wonderful life” we see the value of relationships. It’s loving on people. To be quick with a hug. To be quick with an “I love you.” It’s about people. It’s always about people. It’s not about the job or the event, it’s the people at the job and it’s the people at the event. “To live in hearts we leave behind is not to die.” Thomas Campbell
As a teacher, it’s the choice between putting high value on the curriculum or on the people. As a coach, is it more about wins and losses or the relationships formed? Is it more about crossing things off the “to do list” or the way you make people feel as you do it? People want to be seen, heard, valued and noticed. As a Christian probably the most important thing we do is let people “know they matter.”
“He has told you, O mortal, what is good; what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?” (Micah 6:8) So do what is good, be kind, and walk humbly with Christ each day, letting Christ lead your life. “Lives are like rivers: eventually, they go where they must. Not where we want them to.” Richard Russo
Today, whose life shall we walk alongside? We have the opportunity to be the hands and feet of Christ. We probably have a long “to do list” today. And this might take center stage, but never forget about the people, the family members, the friends and the way you’ll make them feel today. You get to choose. You’ll practice all nine fruits of the spirit. May we love well, have PEACE in our heart, lead with KINDNESS and GENTLENESS , remaining FAITHFUL to our God, with a contagious spirit of JOY, do GOOD in all situations, CONTAIN SELF in order to let Christ lead, and be PATIENT in all situations. And at the end of your life we will all say “well done, good and faithful servant.” (Matthew 25:21)
