What do you want to do?



This post has been inspired by a couple of things.  The fact that I am turning 33 in a couple days and a new show that is on (of all places) MTV.  The show is called 'The Buried Life' and is similar to 'The Bucket List' in that it is a list of things this group of guys want to do before they die.  I realize that in itself this is not such a novel idea.  What caught my attention, however, was that when they travel from city to city, they stop and ask people what one thing they want to do before they die.  They then pick one person to help make their dream come true.

The fact of the matter is this - I don't know what I would say?!?  I mean Jesus changed the WORLD by the time he was 33 and I still can't seem to get my priorities in check!  Of course I realize I am by no means Jesus -but it has made me sit back and think about what it is HE wants me to do with my life while I'm here.  My mind immediately goes to big 'Mother Teresa' type things or famous 'sing on Broadway' type things but what keeps coming back to my mind is the fact that not everyone can be a Mother Teresa or Julie Andrews.

But ya know what?  We can all be that volunteer at the food bank who makes the single mom feel a little less embarrassed about asking for food.  Or the sender of an anonymous check to a family we know is in need.  Or the counselor on the other end of the phone at a crisis pregnancy center.  Or the mom who is there to pick up her child when they fall and scrape their knee.  God has different plans for each and every one of our lives and although we might not all have our names on the side of a building, we can make a life-changing difference for every person put in our path if we keep our eyes and ears open to His leading.

I never thought I would say this, but thank you MTV.  Thank you for making me think about my everyday life and how it does or does not make a difference on that list of 'before I die'.  So my question to you is this....what are the things you are doing before you die?   In what ways have you allowed God to use you in the lives of others.  We all have a great story to tell and I want to hear them, so bring 'em on!

"Every little action of the common day makes or unmakes character and that therefore what one has done in the secret chamber, one has some day to cry aloud from the house-top."
Oscar Wilde

10 comments:

  1. I think about this a lot, what do I want to have done with my life, what would make me feel like I lived well when I look back on it. I'm always afraid it won't be enough. I don't want to waste my time and life, I feel like I am most of the time. The problem is I don't know what would be a good life. I get overwhelmed by all that I need to be doing. So many good things. In the end I just want to be able to say that I walked with God and trusted Him. I think if I did this everyday then I'd live the most amazing story and rarely regret anything. I think in America we are all trying to fill our lives with so much to make it seem meaningful, but we are really wasting our lives. That is my biggest fear, wasting my life. It is so tempting to start doing something that seems to be meaningful just because everyone says it is, but until I really just rest in Him and wait on Him to show me what will be meaningful it really isn't. God really is the one that makes life meaningful.
    I'd also like to visit all 50 states and see the best of each state before I die. We have a pretty amazing and diverse country and I want to see and experience it. I love history and nature and great art and weird people, I want to see the best of it all!

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  2. I need to think about this a bit!

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  3. Great question!! Well, since I'm about to turn 50-something - I've been thinking about this a lot! There are so many things I want to do, and time seems to be just slipping away every day. Mostly, I truly want to accomplish all that God has put me here to do - and be used by Him to bring as many souls into His glorious kingdom as possible! I would also like to have a (successful!) craft business (mine is floundering right now!), travel to Europe and all over the US, and . . . I'll have to think on this some more!

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  4. Oh my goodness...I posted or tried this really long post but did not go through. Try to re-said what I did...first of all I did not know you had this blog--so very cute and so you.
    Your question...first thing I thought of was my desire for more women to have bible study and have a deeper relationship with God. Not just any kind but one that is deep -leaves you fearless to go out and do what HE has called you to do...one that your time with HIM you not only know HE'S right there with you but that you felt HIS breathe on your neck/face. One that you know HE is the only one that fills that void in your heart-one that I am convinced is in the shape of a cross. I don't want to walk around defeated but at the same time also realizing that trials will come...but how we handle those times. I want more for other women that what I already experience because I want more. Right now that is all I know to do...reach out and encourage others, show women that there is such a thing as a deep love relationship with HIM-that HE does think we are beautiful and we are HIS bride.
    It came out better the first time-but hope you get the gist. Love ya girl.

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  5. Hopped over here from SugarPie farmhouse...This is a lovely post and a ???? I ask myself all the time....thank you for sparking that thought afresh...
    Kandy

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  6. Hi Lori...Good question....I think a lot of us think about this alot....but don't really have an answer...
    we have had so much happen in our lives the last couple of years that right now my prayer to God everyday is to let us get through this day...I am so thankful just to receive that from God everyday...
    there is one thing that we do look forward to each month is when we go and help out at the church food
    pantry...we really do enjoy it to be able to help others....I always help out in the kitchen we make coffee and hot chocolate and have cookies and cake or some kind of snacks for them...we always try to say hello to them and ask them how they are doing
    it makes them feel good I think that someone cares...
    I am gonna have to think more on your question..
    Have a Blessed day...
    Sweet Blessings...
    Tonja

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  7. I am doing what I want to do in life. I love my life and the people in it. I have no great desires to do anything extraordinary. I am and have always been a homemaker - a keeper of the home and I love my job. I love to do service and to study the scriptures, to garden and read and be with friends and family - it is the perfect life. I love spending time with my adorable husband.

    When we travel, I find that I miss being at home and wonder how the garden is and if my elderly neighbor needs me to go to the store for her - after a few days, I really want to go home.

    I am content and rather boring I guess (I even enjoy cleaning) - I have no glorious aspirations.

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  9. HMmmm... great things to ponder. I wonder sometimes how He sees me. Then I look at my kids and the answer is very clear. He loves me so very much more than I know. I know that I will live a life of Now and not a life living in my past. Tha's pretty huge for me, I've got a great life to live and I will do whatever I can to make it count. My story may not be great, but it's my story right along side of my kids and my husband , my friends,family and coworkers and all of the in betweens that make it pretty special.

    I love reading your blog! keep em coming girlie! Love ya :O)

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  10. What wonderful insight from you lovely ladies!! I knew you would give me even more to think and ponder over. I love it when we can encourage and teach one another as women, so thank you all for being so candid and giving me a small glimpse into each of your lives! :)

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