Live Like Tomorrow May Never Come
All of us are still in shock at the news of the tragic death of Kolbe Bryant, his daughter and the other seven victims. Our hearts ache for what their families are going through right now. I pray for God’s peace to bring them comfort. It is this side of heaven that mourns such a great loss of lives – what seems to be way too soon. But, on the other side – in heaven – there is great rejoicing for those that came home. That has always brought me so much comfort whenever I have experienced the separation of loved ones in my life. That gives us the opportunity, instead of “Good-bye”, to say “See you later!”
I don’t think anyone can argue with the statement: “He was one of the greatest athlete of all times.” A quote of Kolbe’s captured my attention. “It’s the one thing you can control. You are responsible for how people remember you—or don’t. So don’t take it lightly.” And, isn’t that what living each day with purpose and on purpose to make a difference in this world what really matters? Living like there is no tomorrow. “You do not know what tomorrow will bring” (James 4:14).
A resource book I’ve held dear to my heart is Rick Warren’s “The Purpose Driven Life”. My favorite chapter is the one that is entitled “Made to Last Forever”. This excerpt blesses me so much: “This life is not all there is. Life on earth is just the dress rehearsal before the real production. You will spend far more time on the other side of death, in eternity, than you will here. Earth is the staging area, the preschool, the tryout for your life in eternity. It is the practice workout before the actual game; the warm-up lap before the race begins. This life is preparation for the next. The Bible says, “No mere man has ever seen, heard or even imagined what wonderful things God has ready for those who love the Lord.” 1 Corinthians 2:9.
Don’t those words ring true about all the practice workouts and physical training workouts that Kolbe Bryant must have experienced in his career? All the preparation for the next big game. Does it make us wonder if his life of generosity and kindness plus, hopefully, a tight relationship with God, were the preparation for the life he is living now on the other side of heaven?
When Kolbe, his daughter and the other seven boarded that helicopter on Sunday morning, living in the light of eternity was probably the furthest thing on their mind. But it begs us to stop and think about our own lives and what if this were our last day here? My blog today is to honor a great sports figure. No doubts about that. But, this is an occasion of looking inside our own lives at times like this. Our motive should be, each day, to live like there’s no tomorrow. Tomorrow just may not come.
I’d love to think that we can say to Kolbe and the others onboard “See you later!” If we live each day as if it were our last, then we’ll walk through that door to our home sweet home one day, too. The bands will be playing, the choirs will be singing and our loved ones will be on the sidelines cheering for us loud and strong as we cross our Finish Line – even more so than all those that are pouring their heart outs for Kolbe Bryant on this side of heaven.. In the meantime, let’s give our best to God in each day while we live with eternity in our hearts. I intend to finish strong right along with you! I’ll see ya’ later!