As I write this, I find myself in a small suburban town near Philadelphia, which holds a significant part of my past. It’s where my parents resided for almost thirty years and where I attended high school. Walking through the neighborhood, I’m sometimes overwhelmed by nostalgia, reminiscing about the people who used to live in the houses I pass by. These memories serve as a stark reminder of the unstoppable passage of time and the changes it brings, prompting me to reflect on how to make the most of the time I have left on earth. Here are a few thoughts.
Make time for people. We can get so busy with life’s activities that we often overlook the people around us. As an introvert, I’m especially guilty of quickly withdrawing from contact with others. But the truth is, the people we love, or those we’d like to help or get to know better, won’t be around forever. We may never get another chance if we don’t take advantage of the opportunities before us. I’ve learned this truth the hard way, with too many regrets. Let’s not wait for tomorrow but make time for today.
God takes a personal interest in how we treat other people. In the parable of the sheep and the goats, Jesus emphasizes the idea that our actions or inactions toward others reflect our treatment of him. For instance, when we give a cup of water to a thirsty person, it’s as if we are giving it to him. God’s love for people is so profound that he desires his followers to be vehicles of his love.
Enjoy the here and now. Each day presents its own set of challenges, and it’s easy to fall into the trap of thinking, “I’ll be happy when…” I’ll be happy when I graduate. I’ll be happy when I get married. I’ll be happy when my debts are paid off. I’ll be happy when I change jobs. The list goes on. But the truth is, we’ll never be truly happy if we’re always waiting for the next milestone. Who wants to live a life like that?
God wants us to enjoy life now, as the many verses about joy and gratitude demonstrate. The apostle Paul encourages us to “rejoice in the Lord always” (1), and he wrote those words from prison! No matter what we’re going through, let’s look for reasons to rejoice today. If we can’t enjoy the present, we’ll never be happy. Life is too short to let joy slip through our fingers.
Live with eternity in mind. The intricate complexity and orderly design of nature, the vastness of the universe, and the miracle of life itself all point to a Creator, suggesting that our existence is not a mere accident. Our time on earth is just the opening act of our existence. We were created with eternity in mind and for a relationship with our Creator. How we live now will determine the setting of our second act—will it bewith God or apart from him?
No matter where we are on our spiritual journey, let’s remember that our lives impact our eternity. For those just starting their search for God, the first step is to trust Jesus, who enables them to become friends with God. But even those who have walked with the Lord for many years must remember that they are “citizens of heaven” and should live as such. As Jesus said, we are wise when we “store up treasures in heaven” and not just on earth. (2) God has rewards waiting for his faithful servants.
Conclusion. All three elements are necessary and work together to help us experience the fullness of life. Neglecting any one of them will lead to important aspects of life being overlooked. If we focus solely on relationships but disregard God and his will, we miss out on the fundamental relationship with our Creator. On the other hand, living only for God without appreciating the present might lead to unhappiness. Similarly, concentrating solely on the present without considering our eternal journey will make us short-sighted and overlook eternal life and rewards. If we prioritize God but ignore people, we’ll miss the opportunity to share God’s love and support with the world. Embracing all three truths will lead to life in all its fullness.
(1) Matthew 25:31-46
(2) Philippians 4:4
(3) Matthew 6:19-21