This past weekend, I had the opportunity to travel to a celebration of life.  I heard something profound during the Eulogy that caused me to reflect on my own life.

 

What was said is that each of us is only here for a few days.  Not being morbid, however, I understood better the meaning behind the words a few days as I listened more intently.  Each of us will only have a certain amount of time here on this earth, and death will come to each of us.

 

The truth is that it made perfect sense that we were all here for only a few days.

 

In addition, I invite you to think about the number 1440.  The fact is that every day, there are 1,440 minutes.  How you and I use them is up to us.  In our few days of life, we should make each one of those minutes count.

 

You and I probably know people who gossip to make their minutes count.

 

Years ago, I learned an equation that keeps me grounded. It also keeps me from saying something that I may regret later.

 

A while ago, I read a wise adage that urged everyone speaking about another to ask three questions: “Is it True? Is it kind? Is it necessary?

 

Only if the response is yes to all three should the person continue speaking.  If more people followed this teaching, our world would have much-blessed silence and more love.

 

Yes, you guessed it!  It’s “the tongue, which is a small member yet has great pretensions.” James 3:5

 

James 3:5 – Likewise, the tongue is a small part of the body, … (biblestudytools.com)

 

I have always known that our lifetime is just a small time in space for God.  The Bible says, 40 Years to Man Is one hour To God.

 

If One Day is Like 1000 Years, Then … – Tentstake Ministries

 

2 Peter 3:8  But do not overlook this one fact, beloved, that with the Lord one day is as a thousand years and a thousand years as one day.

 

In understanding that we are all here for just a few days, we also know people who come into our lives the same way.

 

I believe the reality was hearing “a few days” in a different context was profound, at least to me anyway.  Maybe attending a celebration of life or a funeral is extreme. However, we all need reminders from time to time.

 

You and I know that finding your purpose in living is more than a cliché.

 

As I sat through the celebration of life, and when the time arrived for reflections, everything I said was true, kind, and necessary to the grieving family.

 

We must determine how we plan to get the most mileage out of our lives.  In doing so, our legacy or impact on others will be why we are only here for a few days.

 

There was a specific reason why I drove six hours: because of the legacy, impact, and friendship for both my wife and me.

 

I took a few days out of my life to help celebrate hers.

 

Sometimes, I must ask myself, “Are we listening?” when others are talking.

 

As each of us prepares for 2024, I’m sure that somewhere in 2023, we will have a sense of control, satisfaction, and general contentment.

 

However, now that you know you are only here for a few days, how do you plan on spending it this week?

 

Have you discovered why you are here and the gifts you offer others?

 

What conversations are you having with yourself as you reflect on life?

 

I know the words “A Few Days” may not mean much to you; however, I would challenge you to take a moment to introspect your life.

 

What has brought you the greatest fulfillment in 2023, and how will you expand on it in 2024?

 

Today, I’m not asking for you to make any New Year’s resolutions; however, as it relates to a few days, how has it been?

 

“You are today where your thoughts have brought you; you will be tomorrow where your thoughts take you.” – James Allen