Live Today as if it Were Your Last
“You could leave life right now. Let that determine what you do and say and think.” — Marcus Aurelius
In a 21 Day Challenge I just completed, I was given this challenge on day 21: “Plan the last day of your life — then live it.”
The challenge caused me to pause and think about my life. It reminded me that my life could end at any time. This thought doesn’t need to turn us into fearful people but can rather be the motivation we need to live our best life right now.
What would you do today if you knew it was the last day of your life? Who would you talk to? How would you spend your time? What would no longer be important? Would there be any unresolved relationships you needed to attend to?
Let me tell you a story I read in Mitch Albom’s book, Have a Little Faith*. This story, Mitch heard in a sermon back in 1975 that was given by his rabbi. It has a powerful message about how to live each day so as to have no regrets.
The Story — He Sleeps in a Storm
A man seeks employment on a farm. He hands his letter of recommendation to his employer. It reads simply, “He sleeps in a storm.”
The owner is desperate for help, so he hires the man.
Several weeks pass, and suddenly, in the middle of the night, a powerful storm rips through the valley.
Awakened by the swirling rain and howling wind, the owner leaps out of the bed. He calls for his new hired hand, but the man is sleeping soundly.
So he dashes off to the barn. He sees, to his amazement, that the animals are secure with plenty of feed.
He runs out to the field. He sees the bales of wheat have been bound and are wrapped in tarpaulins.
He races to the silo. The doors are latched, and the grain is dry.
And then he understands, “He sleeps in a storm.”
My friends, if we tend to the things that are important in life, if we are right with those we love and behave in line with our faith, our lives will not be cursed with the aching throb of unfulfilled business. Our words will always be sincere, our embraces tight. We will never wallow in the agony of “I could have, I should have.” We can sleep in a storm.
And when it’s time, our good-byes will be complete.
Reflection Questions
What are the lessons that stand out for you after reading that story?
What do you need to pay attention to be ready to sleep in a storm?
What would your day look like if you pretended it was your last?
*Mitch Albom, Have a Little Faith, p. 93.
