Tomorrow Is Not Promised
How would you live if you knew today would be your last day on the planet?
I’ve always approached life pretty intentionally, and I was reminded again recently of how short life can be, and how it can end without warning.
A friend of mine shared the news that her best friend’s husband passed away suddenly and unexpectedly at the age of 37. In addition to leaving behind a loving wife, the couple also has two daughters, ages 3 and 1. This was obviously a shocking and devastating loss for this family, and is truly heartbreaking. I can’t even imagine the challenge of navigating through life after that kind of loss.
Throughout my adult life, I’ve experienced the passing of friends, family and acquaintances. In many instances, those who died were older, such as my grandparents. Some were adults in their 40s, who had battled diseases like cancer. A couple were even young children, whose lives ended after a tragic, unexpected accident or illness.
I always try to find the good in everything. Sometimes, it’s hard to focus on the lesson, especially when you witness the grief that overcomes loved ones after losing a husband or wife, mother or father, son or daughter, or other relative or close friend.
The message that is always clear to me in these circumstances is that tomorrow is not promised, and therefore we ought to make the most of every day.
When my best friend, Jim, passed away, I wondered how the morning of his death had gone for him and his family. Surely, his death later that day was not something that crossed anyone’s mind. But what did he talk about with his children that morning? Did he tell his wife he loved her, in a way that caused her to feel loved? Or, as is sometimes the case, was there guilt and regret afterwards about how the morning had gone? If we knew today would be our last, we would certainly become more intentional about how we lived out the day.
I’ve always felt it’s important to approach each day as though (1) we will live forever, and (2) we will not make it past today. I realize it’s a little strange to even suggest such an approach. But the point is to plan for a long life, while also recognizing that we don’t know how long we’ll be around. Certainly, we won’t be around forever.
Here are a few thoughts that might help you to navigate in a world in which tomorrow is not promised:
1. Don’t sweat the small stuff. Instead of worrying, complaining, wishing and comparing, focus on the simple pleasures and blessings that are all around you. This includes the people around you – especially those closest to you.
2. Be kind. I wrote an article recently on this topic. If everyone was kind, then the world would be a better place. A simple smile or a kind word, an unexpected phone call or visit, going out of your way to help someone, or even a hug goes a long way toward spreading kindness in the world.
3. Make each day your masterpiece. The passing of loved ones, or even the thought of dying, causes us to think differently about how we want to live. Think about what’s important to you, who is important to you, and the difference you want to make in the world, and then orient your life accordingly. Design and live your best life, both for you and those around you.
4. Continually remind those closest to you how much they mean to you. Express appreciation for the people closest to you. Your family, your friends, work colleagues, and others. Tell the people you love that you love them. Let people know how special they are, and how grateful you are to have them in your life.
Because God doesn’t promise us tomorrow, it’s important that we get right with those closest to us. Make sure you have no regrets – nothing left unsaid. That way, when the day comes that you or someone close to you is no longer around, you can take solace in the fact that they knew exactly how you felt about them.
Finally, so you know, I am deeply grateful for YOU. I appreciate you, and please let me know how I can add value to you.
