Can You Really "Live Like You Are Dying" If You Aren't?

I just listened to a sermon from Saddleback Church called "How To Live Like You Were Dying." (it will only be online for a little longer, so register and log in to listen soon) Even if you don't agree with the religious aspect, there is a good life message in there we can all use.

There is also a Tim McGraw song called "Live Like You Were Dying." He even has two books (01 & 02) based on the song.

Which is all nice and good, but is it realistic?

You may recall about 4 months ago when m'Lady had a cancerous tumor removed, and the Radiation and all. Ever since, I've tried to filter everything through that experience. What is important? What isn't? What is worth worrying about and what isn't?

Now my Grandmother, 87, has been diagnosed with Peritoneal Cancer. She hasn't eaten for about 10 days, and is as weak as you'd imagine. Her tummy is swollen with fluids from the cancer. At her age, surgery isn't an option. Plus it has likely spread to other internal organs. Right now it is all about making her as comfortable as possible.

I look around, and think how Cancer has invaded my life. My Dad died of Colon Cancer that spread to his liver. My Grandfather is in a battle against Prostate Cancer. m'Lady had a cancerous tumor in her Parotid Gland. Now my Grandmother has another form of Cancer.

(Are there any organs that can't get Cancer?)

My point is, that even if it isn't Cancer, something is going to get us. The human mortality rate is 100% after all.

So, can we really live like we were dying if we aren't? Probably not. We don't all need to take up Cliff Diving or start climbing Mt. Everest tomorrow.

But, there is plenty I could work on within myself that might make life better for those around me. How about you?

When my time is up, I'd like people to look not at how long I lived, but how I lived.

Don't we all?

Further Reading:
Intimate Death : How the Dying Teach Us How to Live

file this under Soul
Posted by on October 12, 2004 @ October 12, 2004 08:17 AM    
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