Working on a Dream

This morning I opened up Instagram to see the following pictures:  

I was instantly reminded of a book by author and leadership expert, John C. Maxwell, "The Difference Maker," where he quotes an excerpt from a speech given by Barbara Bush that has found its way into most funerals I perform:

“We get on board that train at birth, and we want to cross the continent because we have in mind that somewhere out there is a station. We pass by sleepy little towns looking out the window of life strain, grain fields and silos, level grade crossings, buses full of people on the roads beside us. We pass by cities and factories, but we don ‘t look at any of it because we want to get to the station. We believe that out there is a station where a band is playing and banners are hung and flags are waving, and when we get there that will be life s destination. We don ‘t really get to know anybody on the train. We pace up and down the aisles looking at our watches eager to get to the station because we know that life has a station for us.”

“The station changes for us during life. To begin with, for most of us, it’s turning 18, getting out of high school. Then the station is that first promotion and then the station becomes getting the kids out of college, and then the station becomes retirement and then–all too late–we recognize the truth: that this side of that city whose builder is God, there really isn’t a station. The joy is in the journey and the journey is the joy. Sooner or later, you realize there is no station and the truth of life is the trip. Read a book, eat more ice cream, go barefoot more often, hug a child, go fishing, laugh more. The station will come soon enough. And as you go, find a way to make this world more beautiful."

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There is this verse in the New Testament book of James that reads, "Your life a vapor that appeareth for a little time, and afterward, vanisheth away." (Jm 4:14).  

Would you do something for me?

Imagine you are sitting at your bedside moments away from dying.

You are taking your last breaths of life.

You then are transported back...

Back to a time in your life surrounded by your children, family, and friends.  

And you are somehow given another chance... 

A chance to do it all over again.  From that moment onward.

What changes would you make? 

How would knowing what you know now, altar your viewpoint so that you lead more a fulfilled life?

A prayer.  Father, teach me to appreciate the gift of life and the moments that fill them up with an eye on what is truly important.