The following is an excerpt from Joshua Becker’s new book, Uncluttered Faith:
“The trouble is that you think you have time.” – Jack Kornfield
Our priorities often get misplaced specifically because we think we have more time than we actually do.
What if we approached life each day fully committed to the reality that time is short? That nothing lasts forever? Than tomorrow is promised to no one?
If you knew this was your last year on earth how would you live differently?
In our daily routines, it’s easy to get lost in the details and to forget the larger picture. When we do, we spend time on and chase things that, in the grand scheme of things, hold little significance.
If this was your last year, would you…
- redo your countertops?
- buy a new car?
- binge-watch another series on Netflix?
- acquire more of the latest gadgets?
- obsess over your social media status?
- engage in unnecessary arguments?
Or would it be better to…
- prioritize relationships?
- pursue your passions?
- dedicate yourself to activity that brings meaning?
- give generously by sharing your time, resources, and talents with those you desire to bless?
I hope you will intentionally choose more options from the second category. Those are all things we can do daily, regardless of hoe many days remain in our lives. In his letter to the Ephesians, Paul writes, “Be very careful…how you live—not as unwise, but as wise, making the most of every opportunity.” We’ll never find out what the real abundant life is if we try to live the false abundant life of ever more money, more stuff, and more frantic attempts to acquire the world.
Darrick Dean 