Have you ever been asked the famous question: “What would you do if you had a year left to live?” Fear not, I’m not going to make you answer it today because…I think it’s a silly question. It’s just impossible to predict what your reaction would be to such a difficult and gaping possibility. In these hypothetical situations, we attempt to determine what we would do without actually having the grace that accompanies the non-hypothetical situations. God gives us grace to go through these storms, but He doesn’t give us grace to just imagine going through them. Therefore, all our theoretical answers to this question are formulated beneath the sadness of the idea of soon-coming death, but without the overwhelming faithfulness of Jesus that is poured out when we need it and not before.
Steve and I are actually living this scenario out right now (and we’re experiencing very real grace), but it’s not a good question for us either. We’ve been able to do some dreaming and it’s been good. But we’ve also run into a lot of decisions about the future that are nearly impossible to make in advance. A couple of months ago, we ran into what we believe is exactly the right question and we ask it of ourselves all the time. It’s become the filter through which we run our dreams and agenda and it’s this: “Am I in the right place, at the right time, for the right reason?”
Simple, huh? Sometimes that means going to work when I would like to stay home. Sometimes it means watching a movie with the kids even though I don’t really like watching movies. Last week, it meant going on a fun date with just Steve…and then watching him drive off to spend the weekend with my extended family in Idaho, while I stayed home and fulfilled mom/job/friend responsibilities. It’s undeniably difficult to give up a weekend with Steve right now, but I wish I could tell you how many times we’ve texted or called each other over the past three days and said, “I really miss you…but I know I’m exactly where I need to be.” It’s honestly the best feeling ever. Using this question to make our plans also eliminates the kinds of dangerous exemptions we might be tempted to give ourselves to avoid doing the right thing (maybe I’ll expound more on that in another post – it’s pretty GIANT for people who are going through devastating situations.)
Do I know everything I need to get done in the next year or two or ten worth of living? Nope. I know a few things. But I think that as I’m faithful to live the moments obediently, He’ll make sure that the big picture stuff is taken care of. It’s a good way to live and you can start doing it today – no deadly diagnosis required.
By the way, Steve comes home in less than 12 hours and I can’t wait to see that guy! You can read his take on the weekend here.
Feeling right about the question and the answer,
Bo
We were bummed to miss Steve while he was here. Hopefully we will be able to see you guys soon!
I love this question, even though technically it is three questions in one. Just sayin’. 🙂
Filtering my days through this question and answering it honestly will be a challenge, but I have a feeling it will change a lot of things – habits, attitudes, decisions. Good stuff, Bo. As usual. I really like you.
“Am I in the right place, at the right time, for the right reason?”
Power point for today and marker for my days.
Thank you, Bo; there are so many that are listening closer than ever to you and Steve right now!
Here’s to “ears to hear” and plans of action…
love, love!
Jill
Yes and amen and kudos for sharing!
Wow! This is a question to think about !!
Our life is in the hands of the Lord whether we are facing the challenge of an illness or just living each day that God gives us. My question is, “How will I respond to God in the midst of whatever trial, suffering, challenge that He allows or puts before me?”
I rest in the knowledge that this life is temporal, I only have a suit of skin that is corrupting and one day I will have a new suit that is eternal. My time here is limited and I WILL one day be home, where my citizenship is recorded in the “Book of Life”.
I understand though totally where you are coming from. My relationship with my dad was one that God mended and we reconciled, and I had to move to Bend in the midst of his last days here on earth. Hard to make such a move farther away from one you love and there were times when I lived closer when I wished I could have spent more time with him, but alas, I moved even farther away.
Blessing on you and the family
I learn so much from you. xo