Life Moves Fast
We live our life day by day caught up in the whirlwind of busyness and all of a sudden find ourselves quickly at the end of it. As a result, we have no idea how it came so fast. So many memories will flood through our minds, some opportunities missed and some regrets (hopefully more thankful moments than regrets), and filled with the knowledge we’re about to say goodbye to all our loved ones and friends. This was the case for my father-in-law Mark Mays this past week as he experienced this exact scenario. He was only 65 years old and will forever be remembered as Jedo (Serbian for grandpap) by his grandkids. We all loved him and he will be missed until we see him again someday soon.
“How do you know what your life will be like tomorrow? Your life is like the morning fog—it’s here a little while, then it’s gone.” -James 4:14
Life moves fast. When you’re a kid it tends to move slower. For me, as an example, I was born with “senior-itis”. I couldn’t wait to graduate and get on with my life. To experience the real world and all the opportunities that were awaiting me was what I desired! Looking back on graduation I think to myself, “where has all the time gone?” It goes by so quickly.
Moments of saying goodbye to loved ones have a way of making us take inventory of life and ask ourselves questions like, “Am I doing everything I should be? Am I really fulfilled in what I am doing? Should I make a change? Am I caring for others the way I should or am I too distracted?” One of the greatest blessings that can come out of the loss of someone close to us passing is the moments of clarity they provide to think deeply about our lives. Is my life everything I hoped it would be and will I finish my race well? Now is the perfect opportunity to ask yourself these questions.
There is a to-do list piling up beside me. Instead of indulging, I am taking a moment to breathe, reflect, meditate, and pray. I suggest you take the same time out of your busy, hectic day. Not just now, but also on a regular basis. Make this part of your ongoing routine in life whether it be daily, weekly, or monthly. Once you reach that moment of clarity and peace, begin to ask yourself another question, “Do I need to do anything differently?” Be honest with yourself.
I don’t want to have any regrets at the end of my life. Loving well, investing in my family and others deeply, taking risks in pursuing my/our dreams, building God’s kingdom, and doing everything I’ve been given to do with excellence are my greatest goals. I’m not guaranteed tomorrow and consequently, I want to ensure that every day is met with the same level of excellence and intensity in this pursuit and gift of life. I want my life to count so one day when it’s my turn and I stand before my Father in heaven that I hear Him say, “Well done thy good and faithful servant!”
At the end (which is truly just the beginning), may we be able to say:
“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” – 2 Timothy 4:7
This very day, not someday, I want to challenge you. Don’t let your life pass you by!
About the Author
David Grimm and his wife, Kelly, own Chick-fil-A on University Avenue in West Des Moines, Iowa. David and Kelly have been in the restaurant business since 2011. They opened Chick-fil-A in 2015 and have grown the University Avenue location by more than 250% since they started. David is incredibly proud of his top-notch team, quality products, and most of all, the remarkable guest experience his team provides on a daily basis. Since 2015, his location has donated roughly $1 million to the community and team through food donations, support, and education assistance. David and Kelly love being able to live out their faith through their words and deeds every day. They have four children and live in West Des Moines, Iowa.