This past week I attended a funeral.
Someone I work with had passed away unexpectedly over the holidays. As I sat in the pew of the church before the service began, my attention was drawn to a slideshow playing at the front. Though I did not know this co-worker very well, I couldn’t help but notice her smile in all of the pictures.
It really got me thinking.
It made me think about the pictures my slideshow would contain.
It would have pictures of me traveling with my wife and family.
It would have pictures of us playing games on our living room floor. Sitting around a table at a family gathering and sharing a meal.
Going fishing or hunting with my boys. Golfing with my kids and wife.
It would contain pictures of my family working on a painting or remodeling project in our house. Playing cards with my many family members.
It would contain pictures of my family and me attending a college basketball game together. And so much more.
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I know it wouldn’t contain pictures of me bingeing on Netflix or watching sports on TV. It wouldn’t contain any pictures of me taking a nap or of me being alone.
Every picture I would want on that slideshow would contain people I care about and spend time with.
So as this new year starts, the funeral I wasn’t planning to attend has made me really think about how I spend my time.
It has made me ask the question: What things do I need to do to create experiences with my family that we will remember?
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You never know when the Lord will call you home, so it’s important to make those moments today and not put them off.
It’s the small stuff we will remember. It doesn’t have to cost money, and quite honestly, I believe most of the most precious moments we enjoy are free.
But it does require time, and I cannot think of a better way to spend it than making memories that will one day be on my “slideshow.”
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