I have been reflecting on the things God is doing in my life and what He wants me to do for Him and His people i.e. my purpose. I'm sure by now you must heard this; “The two greatest days in life are the day you were born and the day you know why." Seek God on this and it will blow you away.
I know this may sound morbid for a bright Friday like today but bear with me (my undergrad course profession is premised on death, the probability of). The recent past has witnessed the departure of many people some of whom I'll list for discussion purposes; Samuel Wanjiru, Wangari Maathai, Steve Jobs, a few close pals of mine from campus, Whitney, Michuki, Karume etc. They meant many things to different people and have left lots of legacies ( not subarus - stop peeping into the carpark). Interestingly, they'll be forgotten by a large majority of us sooner or later but for someone their memory will never die. And of course, God the giver of life has His notebook ( or iPad) open and one day we'll all make an account of our lives. (Ecclesiates 12:13). And this has got me thinking, if I were to be knocked down by a matatu as I cross the road (God forbid, I have always wished for an exit less painful and instantaneous) what will remembered of me? Forget the niceties, let’s focus the memories that would outlive me. Especially the unspoken; he reneged on his word, broke my heart, drew me closer to God, challenged me to live to my full potential etc Just in case you might be wondering why this death focus, here is why. It’s the realization that something can come to an end that gives it value be it time, a contract, a relationship or life itself. I have lost some people very close to me so while I look forward to a long life; its end is all so real.
One person I used to look up to one time in an interview was asked what his greatest wish was. He answer was profound, “I would like to live forever”. While our definitions of that statement may vary, for me it would be simply put thus: live for God and touch a life. God called us for a walk that culminates with eternal life in mansions prepared for us in the crystal sea over yonder (Oh Beulah land , hymns just take me to another world). More often than not we focus on getting to the destination rather than the journey. May I submit it to us that how we journey is far more important than arriving at heaven (getting there should be a non – negotiable goal!, Christ paid the price with His own life so I don’t want to fail Him). So I ask, albeit rhetorically, how do you touch a life? By love. So, what’s love? February being the month of love let me not go too far down that road and say; Love is unmistakable; you'll know it when you see it! Show it!! Touch someone’s life, do something to make another life better. It does not have to be so big, it’s the simple things that count e.g. treat your mum nicely, call up that BS member whose child is sick just to remind them that God cares, check on an old friend, say hi to the watchman at your gate ….. of course share the Word ( we needed it so does someone else). That way you’ll live forever, it may not be on CNN or on the daily papers but someone will pause and thank God that we came their way. If there be one such person my soul breathes easy for that will be a successful life lived.
I guess I have written too much already so let me stop there and refer you to an article in the Harvard Business Review written by Clayton M. Christensen, Professor of Business Administration at Harvard Business School. It’s pretty long but I urge you to read through, it covers a broad range of aspects; profession (YPs!), family, spiritual etc. However, if you can’t let me quote the last part for you that I think summarizes it all.
“Choose the Right Yardstick
This past year I was diagnosed with cancer and faced the possibility that my life would end sooner than I’d planned. Thankfully, it now looks as if I’ll be spared. But the experience has given me important insight into my life.
I have a pretty clear idea of how my ideas have generated enormous revenue for companies that have used my research; I know I’ve had a substantial impact. But as I’ve confronted this disease, it’s been interesting to see how unimportant that impact is to me now. I’ve concluded that the metric by which God will assess my life isn’t dollars but the individual people whose lives I’ve touched.
I think that’s the way it will work for us all. Don’t worry about the level of individual prominence you have achieved; worry about the individuals you have helped become better people. This is my final recommendation: Think about the metric by which your life will be judged, and make a resolution to live every day so that in the end, your life will be judged a success.”
God Bless,
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