Break Bad Habits

Build Better Ones

Become Better Men

 - Nate Whitson -

Have you ever heard this saying?

"All men die.  But not all men really live."

Truer words may never have been spoken!

I was thinking of this the other day when I got news that another high school classmate had unexpectedly passed away.  She was only 47 years old.

This makes at least five now that I can think of off the top of my head.  It's such a strange thing to consider.  

Even though I've been out of high school for nearly thirty years, I can still picture these former classmates as clear as day.  

But now they're gone.

Like death always does, it got me thinking.

If I were to die unexpectedly, what would I regret the most?

What are the things that - if I didn't do them - would cause the most pain?

As morbid as this may seem, all of us need to consider these things from time to time.

We only get one shot at this life.

One opportunity to leave our mark and a beautiful legacy.

So, how are you doing with the time you've had so far?

What do you need to stop doing?

What are the things you need to start doing more of?

Thoughts like this have led me to start my day with this new habit: I call it the Best Day Prayer.

Here's what I do:

When I wake up, I have a routine of coming out to my living room, turning on my coffee maker, and then sitting in my favorite chair.  When I get settled, I sit down and pray this prayer.

"God, thank you for today.  Help me make today the best day of my life! In Jesus' name, amen."

What I love about this prayer and new habit is how it helps me focus on making the most of my life -one day at a time.

I'll give you an example of how it's helping to change me.

My wife values quality time and likes to visit her family often.  She loves it when I go with her but I like being home and don't often go with her.

Yet, today I found out she had an uncle in from out of town and they were getting together for lunch.  I really didn't want to go.  But as I contemplated what I would do (and how I'd make a good excuse to not go), it dawned on me that for me to have the "best day of my life" it would involve dying to myself and serving her.

So, I said I'd go.  I had a good attitude (not always my forte!).  And she thanked me several times that day for going with her.

My suggestion to you, then, is to consider carefully the life you live.  Work hard to create habits and behaviors that can help you live your best life - one day at a time. (Steal the Best Day Prayer idea and start using it today!)

You have an expiration date that cannot be changed.

Make sure you really live since you already know you'll surely die.

Nate

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P.S.

What are the biggest regrets you might have if you died unexpectedly and didn't get to do what you had in mind?

Don't let time slip away and leave you holding the heavy weight of regret.

Make the most of each day and each chance you get to be the husband, father, or follower of Jesus that God meant for you to be.

You're going to die.  But I hope more than that - that you'll truly live!