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Are you hurting? Feeling sad, lonely or desperate? Do you struggle with thoughts of suicide?
“Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal” (2 Corinthians 4:16-18).
On September 18, 2007, computer science professor Randy Pausch stepped in front of an audience of 400 people at Carnegie Mellon University to deliver a last lecture called “Really Achieving Your Childhood Dreams.” With slides of his CT scans beaming out to the audience, Randy told his audience about the cancer that was devouring his pancreas and that will claim his life in a matter of months.
Randy’s lecture has become a phenomenon, as has the book he wrote based on the same principles, celebrating the dreams we all strive to make realities. Sadly, Randy lost his battle to pancreatic cancer a few weeks ago, but his legacy will continue to inspire us all, for generations to come.
As I read his book, I found it inspiring and causing me to think about what I would say under a similar assignment. Throughout history people have tried to determine what really matters in life. Socrates said it was knowledge; Aristotle said self realization and Epicurus said it was pleasure. I know that for me it is a moving target. What mattered to be in my younger years and especially before I became a Christian are totally different from what matters now.
Years back, I would focus on the material things….Power, position and possessions. But now my focus is on family, faith friends and relationships. As Paul said to the church at Corinth, “So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.”
Randy’s last lecture was like that. It was a one of a kind lecture that made the world stop and pay attention. Knowing he had only weeks to live, he said ““We cannot change the cards we are dealt, just how we play the hand.”
As I read his book I thought, what wisdom would I impart to the world if I knew it was my last chance? If I knew I was going to vanish tomorrow, what would I want as my legacy? Randy’s lecture was not about dying; it was about living…. living a life that really leaves a legacy and one that makes a difference for the better in the lives of people left behind. It was about the importance of overcoming obstacles, of enabling the dreams of others, of seizing every moment because “time is all you have…and you may find one day that you have less than you think.” It was a summation of everything Randy had come to believe. It was about living.
The older I get, the more I realize that it’s the little things that count, but little things can move mountains when they inspire and motivate people.
Lord, help me to focus less on this life and more on the life to come.
Questions: What is priority in your life today? Does God fit into your dreams for the future?
About the Author John Grant
Daily audio podcast: A second daily devotional, The One and Only, today on the Men’s Devotional Blog
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I really love this devotional today. It is confirmation for me in terms of my goals for 2009. I do believe that what matters in life to us doeas changes at each stage of life. Right now I am going to devote at least 7 hours a week empowering lone parents and those divorced to look beyond their courrent situation and focus on a better future. As God has helped me in these areas, I know that now is my time to help others.
Thanks for these devotional
thank you
As we embark on a new year and consider what really matters in life, we are reminded of all God is as we look at the months ahead.
One of our faithful authors, Helen Grace Lescheid, sent this poem along for our devotional audience as encouragement at the beginning of this new year.
Take courage! I Am. Don’t be afraid.”
I Am the beginning of all things, the end of all things and in the midst of all things.
I was present at your birth; I will be there at the end of your years and through all the days in between.
I Am ever present. I Am not only the God of your past and your future,
But I Am also the God of your present moments.
All that I have been and will be, I Am to you now. You do not have to look at the coming year and wonder how you will get through it physically, emotionally, mentally, financially or spiritually.
I am your life, your health, your strength and your supply.
I Am your source, your confidence, your victory!
Author Unknown
I’m finding the Lord more important to me every day. I find myself thinking of Him so many times a day. More than anything, I want that constant communion with Him. As I have sought intimacy with Him, I’m finding for one thing, I’m slower to speak. One of my prayers is to be slower to react and speak…..that how I treat someone whether in words or even a look, will be remembered deep in their heart and long after I am gone.
Just yesterday, I was at the computer and my husband came in for about the 5th time, interrupting my thought. I must say I was getting annoyed,…as he asked questions, in search of something on the desk. I started to react with my usual sigh of impatience…but instead, as his face was close to mine, I glanced up at him and felt such love…I patted his faced and kissed his cheek. He responded with such a gentle smile and as our eyes met, we both were reminded of our love that we have shared for almost 39 years.
I am thanking the Lord still for that small moment in time, as it changed the course of our whole day. Isn’t is sad that those we have the least patience are so often the loved ones closest to us.
What matters in life is what we do for the Lord, for His Glory. May our actions be only what is pleasing to God…may we have many opportunities to share His saving love and may even those closest to us, see Jesus in us.
What a beautiful reminder, Patti, of how we can change the course of the whole day by our responses. Thanks so much for sharing that!
It warmed my heart.
God bless you in a special way today.
Thank you Gail…..I have been pondering the poem you posted. For most of my adult years, when the New Year rolls around, I have a difficult time …with fear of what the new coming year holds. I am realizing that the closer I walk with Him, fear and worry seem to fade. My faith and trust is growing as well.
I love thinking about His presence at my birth…and find comfort in knowing He will be with me at the end of my years.
It has been a year of change in our lives…many challenges. I have to say His grace has been sufficient through everything….and I know it will be in this new year. I’m thankful for the challenges. Even tho it has been a difficult year, it has brought me…and my husband closer to the Lord….and closer to each other. Our lives are richer individually and as husband and wife.
I thank and praise Him for this devotional site. I have made some deep friendships here….have been ministered, encouraged and mentored.
Thank you to all the writers, who have allowed us to share, be ministered and minister.
Dear Jesus….
I come…bow down before You and thank You for all You Are! Thank You for Your mercy and grace…and for going to the Cross for us….for taking our sin to the Cross that we may have eternal salvation through repentance of our sins and faith and trust in You and You alone. Bless all who write the devotions and all who minister or come to be ministered. May we never hesitate to share Your love with others…and may we continue in faithfulness…seeking Your Face.
In Jesus Name…
Checking the Compass…paths, directions, instructions, are all met with the cards we are dealt with. However, how we play the hand is what just caught my heart. Thank you for that, as I have so many ill family and friends, I just cannot understand God’s wisdom at times. I do not question, as he is the hand I take when cards come forward and falling down.
Patti, thank you for alway’s being so honest and your writing like Gayle’s…encouraged. May we all continue to run the race and remain in our lane. Heaven Bound!!
john,
thank you for the devotional.
as last year now has come and gone, I know from experience that the Lord is the Only Way. He has seen and guided me through quite a lot. the old me would not have survived the turmoil I encountered. now a another year is here, thanks be to God, and priority for me is to each day make it a point to continue daily communication with God who can see beyond my tomorrows. Priority is prayer, in asking Him to guide me.
God is my future, my past and my present. Amen