Death is Where Life Begins
Never have I attended two funerals in one day. Quite an experience.
This 32-year-old young woman just started her very own Acupuncture Clinic back in April. And without a warning, she became very sick. After being diagnosed with leukemia, this beautiful lady, caring wife, and a loving friend got taken Home within 72 hours. The memorial service at the chapel was emotional yet filled with love and peace.
A gentleman who has lived a life of influence, yet he spend the past year or so battling with his health. ICU has become a place the family hates to but must visit. I've seen him three times - twice in the ICU, and the third (and the last) time today. The smell of incense permeates the entire room, and the table filled with various fruits and paper-made cars and various worldly objects makes it quite an interesting place to be. He was 81.
A thought came to my mind as I was on my way home.
"What if I knew I had 32 years, or 81 years to live? Would I live my life differently?"
Actually, the REAL question should be "HOW would I live my life differently?"
The truth is (and you already know it) that WE DO NOT KNOW WHEN WE WILL DIE. It could be in 50 years, maybe in 50 days, 50 hours, 50 minutes, or even in 50 seconds. I'm started to understand the URGENCY of LIVING. To actually LIVE out the God-given purpose of this life... so there can be no regrets when I am about to see Him face to face. Now this seems impossible, but this could possibly be the most important mission of my existence. And I will walk the extra mile just to find it.
We know that we're all dying.
But do we know that we're actually living?
You are reading this blogpost, which means that you're still alive.
But what exactly are we living for? Fame? A better future? Riches? Power?
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I truly believe that to die for something is better than to live for nothing. Throughout history, time and time again, that people who changed the course of families, cities, and nations all had one thing in common: they would die for what they believe in, and they live everyday as if its their last.
A couple days ago I was having a discussion with Shelly (my incredible girlfriend + a true lover of Jesus) on our very own definition of success. She had a much comprehensive list such as to be a caring daughter to her parents, a true friend, a supportive wife to her future spouse, etc. And I only came up with two things that I believe are success to me:
1) To be a true son of God, friend of Jesus, and dwelling of the Spirit
2) To be a true lover of my family and friends
After much thought, I believe the definition of success is 3 words to me:
To. Be. Faithful.
I want my actions to be able to bring forth a tremendous impact & blessings for generations to come.
Friends, what about you? If you only have 40 years to live, what would you have done differently to your life? I hope and pray that we all get to grab hold of the eternal and to anchor in the Truth.
Maybe you're still searching for that purpose, that one thing you would die for.
Start with Jesus. He will make your heart come alive. I promise.
-johnny
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ps. Spend the next 6 minutes listen to this song, and really soak in the lyrics...
