How to have a rich and meaningful life

My awesome friend and fellow Maxim alumnus Amelia Abplanalp recently posted an article by Mark Sayers on her Facebook wall. It's a short blog piece entitled "How To Have a Rich and Meaningful Life", and he talks about the things that really matter in life from the vantage point of imminent death. He writes:

"When you spend time with people who are in the last months and weeks of their life you notice that they gain a unique perspective on life. That which is marginal and unimportant drops away, and two things come into a sharp focus, the spiritual and their closest relationships. ...

One day as you face your own death, things will also become crystal clear for you.

On your deathbed you will not wish that you had spent more time playing computer games.

On your deathbed you will not wish that you had a cooler car.

On your deathbed you will not wish that you had spent more time travelling.

On your deathbed you will not wish that you had downloaded more music.

On your deathbed you will not wish that you had watched more DVD series.

On your deathbed you will not wish that you had spent more time in front of the computer.

On your deathbed you will think of God, eternity, your family and those you are in covenantal relationship with. Why not learn from those who are close to death, those with the clearest view and change your focus, to look at your life differently? ...

Why not now begin to cultivate and commit to the life-long covenantal relationships that will enrich your life?"

I really enjoyed reading this article. It's stuff that I already know in my head, but it was good to be reminded of the truly important things in life. I tend to forget the things that really matter as I get swept up in the mundane busyness of my every day, and so often I get distracted by all the different events and happenings that constantly call out for my attention. But when push comes to shove in terms of what life is all about, it's about people, it's about intentional community, it's about God, and it's about genuine relationships. It's about investing in and being vulnerable with the people in your life that you have the opportunity and potential to form long-lasting, authentic bonds with. It's about knowing and being known, and being deliberate about it all.

I've been blessed with so many amazing people in my life already, and thankfully I'm continuously meeting new people that I can form covenantal relationships with. I think I really need to work on sustaining the relationships that I already have, and forging strong new ties while I'm in the States. Really manage my finite time and resources wisely to these ends, you know? I hope that, through a bit of grace, and with a bit of help from my friends, I can keep it up and make it happen.

Have the greatest day.

G.