The Message (MSG)
Copyright © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene H. Peterson
7-11Everything in the world is about to be wrapped up, so take nothing for granted. Stay wide-awake in prayer. Most of all, love each other as if your life depended on it. Love makes up for practically anything. Be quick to give a meal to the hungry, a bed to the homeless—cheerfully. Be generous with the different things God gave you, passing them around so all get in on it: if words, let it be God's words; if help, let it be God's hearty help. That way, God's bright presence will be evident in everything through Jesus, and he'll get all the credit as the One mighty in everything—encores to the end of time. Oh, yes!
I ran across an old Ann Landers clipping from 2002. I've kept it in my Bible and take it out to read it every once in a while. Maybe it's because my dad is battling cancer...maybe it's the messages at GCC lately...but I pulled it out again:
Always be aware that this life is all you have. Once a minute is gone, there is no way to get it back, no matter how much apologizing or atoning you do.
There will come a time when one of you will lay down for the last time. Only then will you wish you had those hours when, in anger, you didn't speak to each other. Only then will you remember all the times you spent with friends while your (spouse, parent, child) waited for you, alone. Only then will you remember the kind words you could have said, but didn't. Only then will you remember when you could have shown understanding, but displayed anger. Only then will you remember when (fill in blank) wanted to talk, but you ignored him/her.
Only then, when you hold their hand for the final time, will you pray for a little more time. " Please God--just one more minute."
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