Living a life of impact

"Carpe Diem! Seize the day. Make your lives extraordinary." -Robin Williams: Dead Poets Society

Seize the day...it's a phrase we've heard countless times. But have you really ever stopped to think about it? What does this quote mean to you? What do you consider an extraordinary life? I'm sure the answers to these questions vary for each individual, but I'll throw in my own two cents on the subject. Sometimes we have to be reminded the hard way that life isn't a right we have, but a privilage. It can be taken away without a moment's notice. So what are you going to do about it?
Here's another quote that I particularly like. "Yesterday is history, tomorrow is a mystery, today is God's gift; that's why we call it the present." I'll be the first to admit that I struggle with dwelling on the past. I also dwell on the future. I have no idea where I'm going to be or what I'll be doing in ten years, and that scares me. But we aren't even promised another breath, let alone ten years. A lot of people are uncomfortable thinking about this, but the more I think about it, the more I come to appreciate this life I've been given (even though I definitely don't deserve it).

The worldly view of an extraordinary life seems to depend heavily on money, power, and success. There's so much more to life than earthly possessions. Now, that's not to say that I don't worry about materialistic things. But then I'm reminded of one of my favorite collections of verses, Matthew 6:25. "Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes? Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life? And why do you worry about clothes? See how the lilies of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith? So do not worry, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?' For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own." Now how could you possibly argue with that? It's incredible!

Okay, so here are my personal opinions (more like prayers I guess you could say) for the goal of leading an "extraordinary life". And what a coincidence, they're all song lyrics!

1. "Hide me behind the cross, where my gains become as loss. And only your glory is in view. Your power will be revealed the more that I am concealed. Hide me behind the cross so the world sees only You."

The most influential life that could possibly be lived is one that you don't really live at all. "For I am crucified with Christ, nevertheless I live: yet not I, but Christ liveth in me" (Galatians 2:20). Noone lived a more extraordinary life than Jesus. He led a life of complete humbleness. Here He is...the Son of God, the King of Kings, the Savior of the world...and He's born in a manger, works as a carpenter, and spends all his days in service to furthering God's kingdom on the earth and being a servant to people. He even went as low as washing dirty, nasty feet! It definitely doesn't seem like the life a King would live. But noone in the history of mankind has had more impact than that one man. So in order to live an extraordinary life, one must seek to live as Jesus lived...a life of total humbleness and sacrifice, no matter what the cost. What better role model could you possibly find?

2. "I want to leave a legacy, how will they remember me? Did I choose to love?Did I point to You enough to make a mark on things? I want to leave an offering. A child of mercy and grace who blessed Your name unapologetically,and leave that kind of legacy."

A couple years ago, I was having a really hard time dealing with some rumors circulating through my church, school, and whole community. I felt like my name (and more importantly, my witness) had been ruined because of some stupid lie. My mom told me that I shouldn't worry about it because in 100 years, nobody will even remember me. At the time, it seemed to be a comfort. But then I got to thinking about it. I want to be remembered! Well, not necessarily me, but what Christ has done through me. I know that what I do today affects tomorrow, but I want it to have such an impact that it continues far past tomorrow. If there were only one thing I could be remembered for, I would want people to remember that I was a child of God. All these earthly accomplishments will fade away, but my relationship with Christ will last forever.

3. "I have always wanted to be somebody who is great...I want to be great. To be great in, great in your eyes, is my dream. To be the one who makes you smile is everything. To love my enemies, to serve others until I become the least...become the least. Greatness in this world is different than greatness in your eyes. To be real and genuine in my love for others and for You is to be great."

The key point in this song for me is the part about making God smile. Now that's a goal...to make God smile, to bring joy to His heart. This song is basically short and to the point. But the words are so profound. Everyone searches for ways to be "great" according to the world. But God has a completely different definition for being great. Once again, it's about humbleness...sacrifice...love.

We're not promised tomorrow. So why put off living to the greatest potential while waiting for another day? Life is so fragile, and we only get one chance to make it count. Here are some of the questions I often ask myself. Maybe they'll help you out a little. What kind of impact is your life making? What kind of legacy are you leaving? What will you be remembered for? And if you're not getting the kind of answers you were hoping for...what are you going to do about it? Don't wait for tomorrow to make a difference. Carpe Diem! Seize the day. Make your lives extraordinary...